RHEOLYTIC THROMBECTOMY OF AN ACUTELY THROMBOSED TRANSJUGULAR INTRAHEPATIC PORTOSYSTEMIC STENT-SHUNT

As an alternative to chemical thrombolysis, an acutely occluded transj ugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt in a 72-year-old woman w as successfully recanalized using a 5 Fr rheolytic catheter system. No adjunctive thrombectomy treatment was necessary. The underlying steno tic leason was treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and a Palmaz stent, Immediately after the intervention optimal shunt flow was achieved. Ascites vanished within a few days and no further bleedi ng complications appeared.