TIPS Procedure (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt)
When liver disease raises the pressure in the veins that carry blood through the liver, it can lead to serious complications such as internal bleeding and fluid buildup. A TIPS procedure—Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt—is a minimally invasive, image-guided treatment that creates a new pathway to relieve that pressure, helping manage the effects of portal hypertension without open surgery.
- Minimally invasive (no open surgery)
- Lowers dangerously high pressure in the liver's veins
- Helps control internal bleeding and fluid buildup
- Performed through a small puncture in the neck
- Shorter recovery than traditional surgery
How It Works
A catheter is guided through a vein in the neck to the liver, where a small stent creates a channel that reroutes blood and relieves pressure.
The Goal
Reduce portal pressure to control variceal bleeding, ease fluid buildup (ascites), and improve quality of life.
An Alternative
TIPS offers a less invasive option for patients whose symptoms aren't controlled by medication or other treatments.
What Causes Portal Hypertension?
Portal hypertension is high blood pressure in the portal vein system that carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver. It most often develops when scarring blocks normal blood flow through the liver. Common causes include:
- Cirrhosis from chronic liver disease
- Hepatitis B or hepatitis C
- Heavy, long-term alcohol use
- Blood clots in the liver's veins
As pressure builds, blood backs up into smaller veins that can swell and bleed, and fluid can collect in the abdomen—the complications TIPS is designed to relieve.
How Does the TIPS Procedure Work?
Using live imaging, your interventional radiologist inserts a catheter into a vein in the neck and guides it down to the liver. A small wire-mesh stent is then placed to connect two veins inside the liver, creating a shunt that lets blood bypass the scarred tissue. This new channel immediately lowers the pressure that causes bleeding and fluid buildup. The procedure is done through a single small puncture, with no large incision.
Is the TIPS Procedure Right for You?
TIPS may be recommended if you have complications of portal hypertension—such as bleeding from enlarged veins (varices) or fluid buildup (ascites) that hasn't responded to medication or other therapies. Your interventional radiologist works closely with your liver specialist to review your imaging and overall health before recommending the procedure.
Ready to Talk About Your Liver Health?
If you're living with complications of liver disease, our interventional radiology team can explain whether a TIPS procedure may help. Reach out to schedule a consultation.
Our Radiologists Specialize in TIPS
Winchester Radiologists' interventional team performs minimally invasive liver procedures right here in Winchester.
Meet Our Radiologists →
