Pharmacomechanical thrombectomy for salvage of TIPss via successful clearance of occlusive porto-splenic venous thrombosis

Transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt (TIPss) is in- creasingly used to treat chronic portal vein thrombosis. However shunt thrombosis is a recognised early complication, particularly in those with thrombophilia. We outline a case of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension secondary to chronic portal vein occlusion where TIPss was successfully performed but rapidly complicated by shunt thrombosis with extension into the portal and splenic veins. Mechanical thrombectomy and low dose systemic pharmaco- logical thrombolysis were of limited benefit. Combined pharma- comechanical thrombectomy with the Trellis system restored patency of the TIPss, portal and splenic veins, with resultant good flow into the TIPss. The patient remains well three months post- procedure. We describe the first case where the Trellis system has been successfully used to clear occlusive porto-splenic thrombus and restore flow through a blocked TIPss. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2016, 79, 47-51).