INTRODUCTION:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiology have developed a new method for analyzing portal vein blood blow at transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation.
BACKGROUND:
TIPS creation is a common interventional method for the treatment of portal hypertension. However, post-procedure complications can arise, which often necessitate further TIPS revisions. The development of new tools to provide more consistent intra-procedure blood flow measurements can better guide the procedures and potentially reduce the subsequent complications and TIPS revisions.
INNOVATION:
UCLA researchers have developed a quantitative analysis method for assessing portal vein blood flow, based on digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images. This analysis method can be applied during TIPS creation to guide surgical procedures, thus potentially reducing the need for future TIPS revisions.
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS:
• Intra-procedure blood flow analysis
ADVANTAGES:
• Potentially more consistent intra-procedure blood flow measurements
• Potential improvement of TIPS creation procedures
• Potential reduction in TIPS revisions