Know more about TIPS Procedure

Feb. 16, 2012 - PRLog -- TIPS is a boon for many who were suffering portal hypertension complications like Variceal Bleeding, Portal Gastropathy, Severe Ascites and Budd-Chiari Syndrome. With the help of innovative technology scientist have developed a new way to connect the two veins within the liver with the help of X-Rays. This is known as Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosytemic Shunt or TIPS procedure.

Before undergoing the procedure, the patient should intimate the doctor about all other medications and treatments she is undergoing. TIPS procedure involves X-ray for treatment. Hence special cases like pregnant women should tell doctors as the radiation may affect he fetus inside her. Before the procedure, the doctor will advise the patient to avoid food or drinks. But clear liquids area allowed helping you on the day of procedure. While doing the procedure, an interventional Radiologist will use an image guided approach to make an artificial tunnel that connect the portal vein to the hepatic vein in the liver. The pathway is kept opened with a stent. The morning medications should be taken as instructed to stay in hospital for a day or more prior to the TIPS procedure. An appropriate outfit like a hospital gown and a head cap must be worn during the procedure.

TIPS procedure is normally done by radiology specialists or by a specialized Interventional Radiologist in an Interventional Radiologist suite. The procedure will be practiced and the venues will be decided by these specialists. The patient will be subjected to general anesthesia while conducting this to avoid pain. But they could feel the entire procedure that is being carried out. http://tipsprocedure.org/ is an informative site about conducting TIPS.

During the procedure the patient will be positioned on the back. The body will be connected to monitors where blood pressure, pulse and heart rate would be monitored while conducting the TIPS procedure. The patient will be prepared by nurses by inserting an intravenous or IV. The specific area where the catheter will be inserted will be shaved, sterilized and covered with a surgical drape to prepare for the entire procedure. The upper portion of the collar bone will be numbed by a local anesthesia before a cut is made in the skin at the site. The specialist will identify the patient’s internal jugular vein with the help of an ultrasound. The catheter will be guided in to the vessel towards the liver and in to the hepatic vein. The pressure is also measured within the right side of the heart and in the hepatic vein. This is followed by the injection of a contrast material to the hepatic vein into the portal system using TIPS needle. The stent will be kept under fluoroscopy extending from portal vein in to hepatic vein. After placing the stent, the balloon will be deflated and removed along with the catheter. The portal hypertension will be measured to prevent bleeding and the skin will be covered with a bandage. http://tipsprocedure.org/ gives overall information about TIPS procedure.