Which vessels are used for TIPS?

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Multiple Choice

Which vessels are used for TIPS?

TIPS creates a direct channel inside the liver between the portal venous system and the hepatic venous system to reduce portal hypertension. The shunt must connect a branch of the portal vein to a hepatic vein so portal blood can bypass the high-resistance liver sinusoids and drain into the systemic circulation via the hepatic veins and IVC. From the transjugular approach, the right hepatic vein is most accessible, so a portal vein branch—often the right portal vein—and the right hepatic vein are commonly targeted for the connection. This pairing—portal vein branch to a hepatic vein—best embodies how TIPS works. Arterial vessels or direct connections to the IVC are not used in creating the shunt.

TIPS creates a direct channel inside the liver between the portal venous system and the hepatic venous system to reduce portal hypertension. The shunt must connect a branch of the portal vein to a hepatic vein so portal blood can bypass the high-resistance liver sinusoids and drain into the systemic circulation via the hepatic veins and IVC. From the transjugular approach, the right hepatic vein is most accessible, so a portal vein branch—often the right portal vein—and the right hepatic vein are commonly targeted for the connection. This pairing—portal vein branch to a hepatic vein—best embodies how TIPS works. Arterial vessels or direct connections to the IVC are not used in creating the shunt.

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