Complications During Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Creation

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation is a widely adopted treatment for complications of portal hypertension, including variceal hemorrhage and refractory ascites. The creation of a TIPS requires establishing a pathway from the portal vein to a hepatic vein or inferior vena cava through hepatic parenchyma, using a stent or stent graft to sustain patency of this pathway. Because it is a technically challenging procedure and patients may be critically ill with severe comorbidities, the risk of procedural complications and mortality is substantial. This article discusses known complications of the TIPS procedure and ways to minimize their occurrence.