Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for maintenance of portal venous patency in liver transplant candidates

Maintenance of portal venous patency is vital to liver transplant candidates, as the presence of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) adversely impacts clinical outcomes by increasing surgical complexity and decreasing postoperative survival. By enhancing portal venous blood flow, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation may enable clearance of PVT and preservation of portal venous patency in cirrhotic patients. Herein, we describe four cases in which TIPS produced and sustained an open portal venous system in liver transplant candidates with partial PVT. All patients demonstrated rapid and effective flow-enabled clearance of clot and intermediate to long-term preservation of portal venous flow. On this basis, we propose that maintenance of portal venous patency in liver transplant candidates with partial PVT represents a developing indication for TIPS.