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Semin intervent Radiol
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1802347
Invited Article

Unveiling Portal Vein Anatomy: Clinical Impact and Significance of Variants in Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Creation

Kristina Yancey
1   Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona
,
Liane Ruddy
2   Department of Radiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona
,
Curtis L. Simmons
3   Department of Radiology, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona
,
Daniel A. Crawford
1   Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona
,
Sadeer Alzubaidi
1   Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona
,
Sailen Naidu
1   Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona
,
Merve Ozen
1   Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona
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Abstract

An in-depth understanding of portal venous anatomy, particularly its variants, is essential for interventional radiologists performing complex hepatobiliary procedures such as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation. Anatomical variations in the portal venous system occur in approximately 35% of the population, and failure to identify these variants can result in significant procedural complications including vascular injury and postprocedural liver failure. This article discusses the most common (types I–V) portal vein variants and the importance of their preprocedural identification, their potential impact on procedural outcomes, and the role of advanced imaging techniques in mitigating risks associated with these anatomical variations.

Keywords

portal vein - portal vein anatomy - mesenteric vein - interventional radiology

The Institutional Review Board Approval Number

Not applicable.




Publication History

Article published online:
28 January 2025

© 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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