Embolization with the Amplatzer Vascular Plug in TIPS patients.

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Vascular Surgery
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation can lead to complications like rebleeding and hepatic encephalopathy.
• Embolization is a potential adjunct to manage these complications.
• The Amplatzer Vascular Plug (AVP) is designed for large vessel embolization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the utility of the Amplatzer Vascular Plug (AVP) in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedures.
• To evaluate AVP for embolizing portal vein collaterals and occluding TIPS.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of patients undergoing TIPS procedures.
• Utilized Amplatzer Vascular Plug (AVP) for embolization of portal vein collaterals (n=8) and TIPS occlusion (n=2).

Main Results:

• The Amplatzer Vascular Plug (AVP) was successfully used to embolize portal vein collaterals in 8 patients.
• The Amplatzer Vascular Plug (AVP) was successfully used to occlude TIPS in 2 patients.

Conclusions:

• The Amplatzer Vascular Plug (AVP) is a suitable device for embolizing large-diameter vessels in the context of TIPS.
• AVP can be effectively used to manage portal vein collaterals and occlude TIPS when necessary.