Radiological insertion of automated low flow ascitic pump (alfapump^®) system for management of medically refractory...

Ascites is well-documented sequelae of liver cirrhosis with significant impact on survival in this group of patients. Among the many established management strategies for the same is the use of an implantable mechanical device, called alfapump^® (Sequana Medical, Zurich, Switzerland), that removes ascitic fluid by pumping it from the peritoneal cavity to the urinary bladder. Until recently, this device has been surgically placed under general anaesthesia. We describe successful interventional radiological implantation under conscious sedation in three patients with minimal complications. This device can serve as an alternative to transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for the management of refractory ascites; however, further studies are required to understand the device better.