Atrial septal perforation from TIPS stent migration

J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2004 Jun;15(6):629-32. doi: 10.1097/01.rvi.0000130165.74003.f0.

Abstract

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) are safe and effective for the treatment of portal hypertension. Cardiac complications are unusual. This study reports a case of TIPS stent migration to the right atrium causing perforation of the atrial septum in a patient with end-stage liver disease. The shunt was removed transvenously but attempts at transvenous occlusion of the septal perforation were unsuccessful. The patient went on to undergo combined open-heart surgery with septum repair and liver transplantation. The case highlights a rare complication of TIPS and methods for treatment including transvenous removal, transvenous repair, and combined cardiotomy-liver transplantation surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Echocardiography
  • Foreign-Body Migration / complications*
  • Foreign-Body Migration / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Atria / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Atria / injuries*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic / adverse effects*
  • Radiography, Interventional
  • Stents