Flouroscopically–guided transhepatic puncture for difficult TIPS re-do procedures utilizing the En Snare retrieval device: A new approach to occluded TIPS in patients with recurrent ascites

Portal hypertension and variceal bleeding are complications due to cirrhosis. Transjugular Intraphepatic Portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure is a well-established treatment for recurrent ascites and variceal bleeding related to portal hypertension. After a TIPS has been placed, the potential of TIPS occlusion or stenosis is high. A TIPS re-do procedure has been used in treatment of progressive clinical symptoms. The standard approach is via the jugular route to recannulate the TIPS shunt. Rarely, it cannot be performed from the jugular approach. Therefore, a fluoroscopically -guided transhepatic approach has been devised for these difficult situations. This case describes the use of the transhepatic route through an indwelling Viatorr covered stent utilizing an En-Snare device to help complete the TIPS re-do procedure. With this newer approach to TIPS re-do procedures, endovascular specialists can achieve TIPS patency despite difficult venous anatomical challenges and the various types of available TIPS stents presently on the market.