Cost analysis of using Viatorr stent vs. Fluency/Wallstent for TIPS at a community hospital

Abstract

Of 215 TIPS placed for purposes other than hemorrhage, the TIPS was inserted at the bifurcation in 41 patients and intrahepatic in 62 patients. Red blood cell transfusions were administered in 10% of patients in each group within 3 days post procedure (p ¼ 1.0). Pharmacologic vasopressor support was utilized in 7% of the bifurcation TIPS and 5% of the intrahepatic TIPS (p ¼ 0.68). There were no significant differences in 30-day mortality rates (2% for bifurcation TIPS compared to 3% for intrahepatic TIPS, p ¼ 1.0). Similarly, no significant difference comparing left to right-sided TIPS. No deaths were directly related to hemorrhagic complications. Neither thrombocytopenia nor a high INR correlated significantly with hemorrhage risk. Conclusions: The risk of hemorrhagic complications was similar in both groups, without any hemorrhage-related deaths. Therefore, TIPS insertion at or near the portal bifurcation may be considered a reasonable access in the setting of Viatorr stent graft use.