Intentional reversible thrombosis of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts.

PURPOSE: To assess whether balloon occlusion of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) will allow permanent yet reversible shunt thrombosis.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A balloon catheter was inflated in the midportion of the TIPS in two women with severe, uncontrollable encephalopathy or liver failure (aged 42 and 65 years, respectively) to allow occlusive thrombus to develop below the balloon.

RESULTS

Balloon occlusion led to rapid TIPS thrombosis, which was readily reversible.

CONCLUSION

Balloon thrombosis is a simple technique for complete occlusion of a TIPS. This technique may also be useful for occlusion of surgical mesocaval H-graft shunts or dialysis access shunts.