Color Doppler-US guidance in transjugular placement of intrahepatic portosystemic shunts.

Abstract

Percutaneous placement of portosystemic shunts requires access to the portal system from a transjugular approach. Color Doppler sonography was used to direct the transjugular puncture in intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedures in four patients. In each case, the technique allowed quick, safe transjugular puncture of the portal vein and close real-time monitoring of the procedure.