Vessel embolization can be a valuable adjunct procedure in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). During the creation of a TIPS, embolization of portal vein collaterals supplying esophageal varices may lower the risk of secondary rebleeding. And after creation of a TIPS, closure of the TIPS itself may be indicated if the resulting hepatic encephalopathy severely impairs mental functioning. The Amplatzer Vascular Plug (AVP; AGA Medical, Golden Valley, MN) is well suited for embolization of large-diameter vessels and has been employed in a variety of vascular lesions including congenital arteriovenous shunts. Here we describe the use of the AVP in the context of TIPS to embolize portal vein collaterals (n = 8) or to occlude the TIPS (n = 2).

, , , ,
doi.org/10.1007/s00270-007-9089-3, hdl.handle.net/1765/35706
CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology
Erasmus MC: University Medical Center Rotterdam

Pattynama, P., Wils, A., van der Linden, E., & van Dijk, L. (2007). Embolization with the Amplatzer Vascular Plug in TIPS patients. CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology, 30(6), 1218–1221. doi:10.1007/s00270-007-9089-3