TIPS University Sophomore Year: Basic Procedure Technique

In this episode, Dr. Emmett Lynskey joins Dr. Chris Beck for the second edition of TIPS University to discuss basic TIPS procedure techniques. Dr. Lynskey starts us off by talking through the steps of getting access for a basic TIPS procedure, and he tells us how to check if there is a large difference between wedge pressure and the true portal pressure.

Next, we discuss doing a puff or a run of the vein to make sure that there is no obstruction of outflow. Dr Lynskey compares new and old techniques for getting the sheath into the vein, and he explains two different methods, bare back and over the wire, for getting the needle down for the TIPS procedure. We outline what you should expect to see after doing a puff of contrast, how to locate the central portal vein, and the differences between using CO2 and contrast.

Dr. Lynskey shares what factors he considers when choosing a wire for TIPS and how he uses a pigtail and a sheath to perform a dual run. We review the purpose of a dual run and discuss the details of opening the tip once the sheath is down. We then compare the final steps of the TIPS procedure based on whether or not you will embolize, and give a brief overview of embolizing using a fogarty balloon.

Dr. Lynskey goes over his goal frame rate for the final run of the TIPS, and he explains how to check the flow dynamic of blood going to the liver. He tells us about follow-up care and how it changes if a patient develops encephalopathy. We end the episode by discussing the importance of counseling patients and caretakers on medications.