Deployment of Direct Intrahepatic Portocaval Shunt (DIPS) from a Femoral Access

Abstract

The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has been shown to be effective in management of esophageal varices bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis when endoscopic manuvers fail to control it. Ascites refractory to optimal medical therapy is another indication for TIPS procedure. Occasionally, TIPS cannot be performed due to vascular anatomical difficulties such as occluded central venous access, small hepatic veins, or portal vein occlusion. Direct intrahepatic portocaval shunt (DIPS) can be considered as an alternative option in such circumstances. DIPS is typically performed utilizing jugular access with direct puncture from the inferior vena cava (IVC) to the right portal vein. However, the interventionalist may be challenged by jugular or brachiocephalic veins occlusion. This chapter discusses perfroming DIPS procedure utilizing femoral access in a patient with bilateral occluded brachiocephalic veins and thrombosed right portal vein.