Mesoatrial shunt: a new treatment for the Budd-Chiari syndrome

A patient is presented with the Budd-Chiari Syndrome. Because of a thrombosed inferior vena cava, none of the standard portal-systemic shunts could be utilized for decompression of the engorged liver. A new shunt constructed by interposing a Dacron graft between the superior mesenteric vein and the right atrium was performed. Portal pressure was reduced by the shunt from 30 cm of H2O to 10 cm of H2O. Patency has been confirmed post-operatively by catheterization and with angiography. The patient is asymptomatic with normal liver function tests nine months following the procedure. A surgical approach is outlined for symptomatic patients with the Budd-Chairi Syndrom.