Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt using the FLUENCY expanded polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stent

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts using FLUENCY expanded polytetraf luoroethylene (PTFE)-covered stents and the effect on the patency rate. A total of 114 cirrhotic patients who were treated by transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt (TIPS) placement using a FLUENCY expanded, PTFE-covered stent were enrolled in the present study. Of the patients, 15 underwent an additional bare metal stent implantation on the portal side of the covered stent, simultaneously. Patients underwent Doppler sonography during the follow-up. Mean portal venous pressure dropped from 2.499±0.588 cmHg to 1.764±0.294 cmHg. The cumulative patency rates for one and two years were 86.7% and 75.2%, respectively. The results demonstrate the feasibility of TIPS placement with the FLUENCY expanded PTFE-covered stent. TIPS placement with the FLUENCY expanded PTFE-covered stent was able to improve patency when compared with the use of conventional bare-metal stents.