Roberto Gandini, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Daniel Konda, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Enrico Pampana, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Vincenzo Pipitone MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Carlo Andrea Reale, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Giovanni Simonetti MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To compare patency, rate of re-intervention and clinical outcome of TIPS using uncovered and ePTFE-covered (VIATORR; W.L. Gore and Associates) stents in patients with Budd-Chiari Syndrome.

From January 1994 to November 2003 thirteen patients (mean age: 35.7 yrs, range: 17-65yrs) affected by Budd-Chiari Syndrome underwent TIPS. In the first 6 patients TIPS was performed using uncovered Wallstents (group A). After April 2001, TIPS was carried out in 7 patients (group B) using an ePTFE-covered VIATORR stent-graft. Follow-up was performed with US at 7, 30 days and 3 months and subsequently every 3 months after the procedure. Liver function was evaluated every 3 months.

All group A shunts underwent occlusion with a mean primary patency of 4.46 months ± 3.40. The 6 and 12-month primary patency rates in this group were 16.7% and 0% respectively. During a 22.7-month ± 10.53 mean follow-up an overall of 12 revisions with Wallstent and 24 balloon dilatations were performed. One TIPS was revised with a VIATORR stent-graft and is normally patent 28 months after its creation. In group B, two balloon dilatations were performed in 2 patients during a mean follow-up of 23.1 months ± 7.81. Six and 12-month primary patency rates were 100%. In all group B patients a persistent improvement of liver function was achieved.

ePTFE-covered VIATORR stent-graft significantly increases primary patency in TIPS for Budd-Chiari Syndrome with reduction of re-intervention rate and prolonged clinical improvement.

Gandini, R, Konda, D, Pampana, E, Pipitone, V, Reale, C, Simonetti, G, PTFE-covered Stent Increases TIPS Patency and Clinical Outcome in Patients with Budd-Chiari Syndrome.  Radiological Society of North America 2005 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 27 - December 2, 2005 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2005/4418450.html