Which statement most accurately describes TIPSS?

Which statement most accurately describes TIPSS?

• A. A shunt that connects the left portal vein to the left hepatic vein
• B. A shunt that bridges the right portal to the right hepatic vein
• C. An arterial bypass from the aorta to the liver
• D. A catheter inserted into the inferior vena cava

Answer: (B)

The statement that most accurately describes TIPSS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt) is that it is a shunt that bridges the right portal vein to the right hepatic vein. TIPSS is a procedure used primarily to manage complications of portal hypertension, where a percutaneous approach is taken to create a path between the portal vein and the hepatic vein, thereby relieving pressure in the portal system. In the context of the procedure, the shunt functionally decreases portal venous pressure by allowing blood to bypass the liver and flow directly into the hepatic vein. This can alleviate symptoms associated with portal hypertension, such as variceal bleeding and ascites. The other options do not accurately represent the TIPSS procedure. For example, the connection between the left portal vein and the left hepatic vein or an arterial bypass from the aorta to the liver does not describe the function or purpose of a TIPSS. Additionally, while a catheter is used in the procedure to create the shunt, simply stating that it is inserted into the inferior vena cava misses the key aspect of what TIPSS is designed to achieve in terms of managing liver-related complications.

The statement that most accurately describes TIPSS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt) is that it is a shunt that bridges the right portal vein to the right hepatic vein. TIPSS is a procedure used primarily to manage complications of portal hypertension, where a percutaneous approach is taken to create a path between the portal vein and the hepatic vein, thereby relieving pressure in the portal system.

In the context of the procedure, the shunt functionally decreases portal venous pressure by allowing blood to bypass the liver and flow directly into the hepatic vein. This can alleviate symptoms associated with portal hypertension, such as variceal bleeding and ascites.

The other options do not accurately represent the TIPSS procedure. For example, the connection between the left portal vein and the left hepatic vein or an arterial bypass from the aorta to the liver does not describe the function or purpose of a TIPSS. Additionally, while a catheter is used in the procedure to create the shunt, simply stating that it is inserted into the inferior vena cava misses the key aspect of what TIPSS is designed to achieve in terms of managing liver-related complications.