Recurrent TIPS dysfunction and variceal bleeding: A combined, staged, use of large-bore aspiration thrombectomy and...

A 51-year-old man, with a history of cirrhotic portal hypertension and recurrent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) stenoses, presented with an acute gastro-esophageal variceal hemorrhage in the setting of an acute and massive thrombotic TIPS shunt occlusion. The clinical presentation was complicated by patient's severe, chronic thrombocytopenia which had precluded empiric anticoagulation previously for recurrent TIPS dysfunction. Following endoscopic treatment of the variceal bleeding, the CAT 12 Indigo aspiration system (Penumbra) was used to remove a large burden of thrombus from the TIPS, allowing successful re-stenting and restoration of blood flow through the TIPS. A staged partial splenic artery embolization was performed a few days later to reduce hypersplenism and treat the thrombocytopenia. The patient was then therapeutically anticoagulated to prevent future TIPS occlusion.