PurposeTo describe portal vein cannulation under adjunct guidance for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS). MethodsMedical records of 86 patients who underwent TIPS, including conventional TIPS, 3D volumetric CT image fusion (CT-fluoroscopy image fusion)-guided TIPS, and transabdominal ultrasound (US)-guided TIPS at our institute from March 2016 to June 2024 were reviewed. Baseline characteristics, clinical outcomes, and procedural data were analyzed. ResultsTechnical success was achieved in 35 conventional TIPS patients (92.11 %), 20 CT-fluoroscopy image fusion-guided TIPS patients (95.24 %), and 26 transabdominal US-guided TIPS patients (96.30 %). Among patients who underwent a successful procedure, the procedural time and contrast usage were lower in the CT-fluoroscopy image fusion-guided and trans-abdominal US-guided TIPS groups than in the conventional group. There was a statistical significance in the cumulative fluoroscopic time between CT-fluoroscopy image fusion-guided TIPS and conventional TIPS groups (43.19 ± 14.92 vs 63.05 ± 30.33 min, p = 0.012). No immediate experienced complications were observed. Furthermore, the incidence of post-procedural complications among the three groups was not statistically different during follow-up. ConclusionsCT-fluoroscopy image fusion and trans-abdominal US-guided portal vein cannulation are feasible, safe, and effective adjunct methods for patients undergoing TIPS. These methods provide shorter procedural time and lower contrast usage for TIPS placement.
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