Migration of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) stent:Evaluation by transesophageal echocardiography

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting (TIPS) is a procedure for end-stage liver disease that involves angiographically guided placement of an intrahepatic expandable metal stent. Mechanical complications of intrahe patic stent placement have been reported, Including stent migration to the central venous circulation. This report describes a patient who had emboliz ation of a stent after a TIPS procedure, with subsequent failed percutaneou s attempts at stent removal. Transesophageal echocardiography documented th e stent caught in the tricuspid valve and apparatus, with its distal end pr ojecting into the right ventricular cavity.