What Is a Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt?
A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is a medical device used to improve blood flow to and from the liver. It is primarily used to treat portal hypertension, a condition in which liver damage or a blockage causes blood to back up in the organ and reverse directions. The procedure to insert a shunt is usually performed by a clinical radiologist in a specialty surgical center or a hospital, and it usually takes about two hours. Most patients who receive shunts experience significant relief from their symptoms immediately and nearly full recoveries within 10 to 30 days.
