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Shunts designed to provide an anastomosis (i.e., surgical connection) between the inflow portal vein and the outflow hepatic vein; they are intended mainly to create an alternative pathway for portal venous circulation. These shunts typically consist of a synthetic tube (e.g., expandable nitinol partially lined with polytetrafluoroethylene) with a thin wall and appropriate size (8 to 10 mm diameter and 6 to 10 cm length are typical) and a configuration to facilitate the connection between the inflow portal vein and the outflow hepatic vein (i.e., to perform a TIPS procedure). Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts are used as implants to treat portal hypertension and its complications (e.g., bleeding varices, gastropathy, ascites, and/or hepatic hydrothorax). This device may also include a percutaneous delivery catheter.
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