Liver Vascular Services: TIPS and Beyond
Understanding interventional treatments for portal hypertension, ascites, and other complications of liver disease.
Liver disease can cause serious vascular complications, particularly portal hypertension—increased pressure in the blood vessels around the liver. Interventional procedures like TIPS can provide life-changing relief from these complications.
Understanding Portal Hypertension
When the liver becomes scarred (cirrhosis), blood has difficulty flowing through it. This backs up pressure in the portal vein system, causing:
Ascites
Fluid accumulation in the abdomen requiring frequent drainage.
Variceal Bleeding
Dangerous bleeding from enlarged veins in the esophagus or stomach.
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Confusion and mental changes from toxin buildup.
Hepatorenal Syndrome
Kidney failure related to liver disease.
What Is TIPS?
Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt
TIPS creates a new pathway for blood to flow through the liver, bypassing the scarred tissue and reducing portal pressure. A small metal stent connects the portal vein to the hepatic vein, relieving the backup.
When Is TIPS Recommended?
Refractory Ascites
When ascites no longer responds to diuretics and requires frequent paracentesis (drainage).
Variceal Bleeding
To prevent recurrent bleeding from esophageal or gastric varices when other treatments have failed.
Hepatic Hydrothorax
Fluid accumulation in the chest cavity due to liver disease.
Budd-Chiari Syndrome
Blockage of the hepatic veins draining the liver.
Other Liver Vascular Services
Embolization
Treatment of liver tumors by blocking their blood supply.
Liver Biopsy
Image-guided tissue sampling for diagnosis.
TIPS Revision
Maintenance and repair of existing TIPS shunts.
Coordinating With Your Hepatology Team
We work closely with liver specialists (hepatologists) to ensure interventional treatments fit into your overall liver care plan. For patients awaiting liver transplant, TIPS can serve as an important bridge therapy.
Struggling With Liver Disease Complications?
Learn if TIPS or other interventions could help improve your quality of life.