Interventional radiology · Karlsruhe

Portal vein and spleen

The portal vein carries blood from the abdominal organs to the liver. If pressure is elevated or the vein is blocked, interventional procedures may form part of multidisciplinary treatment.

Procedures based on individual medical indications and interdisciplinary planning.

Procedural summary

• TIPS placement and TIPS revision
• Portal vein recanalization and stenting
• Variceal embolization including BRTO/PARTO
• Partial spleen embolisation
• Embolization for spleen hemorrhage
• Treatment of spleen artery aneurysms
• Transjugular pressure measurement
• Selected procedures for Budd Chiari syndrome

TIPS: a connection within the liver

One Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt connects within the Liver Portal vein and liver vein. As a result, the pressure in the portal vein system can be reduced. The procedure is tested, for example, in selected bleeding situations or difficult-to-treat Ascites.

Portal vein and spleen vessels

Depending on the findings, closed vessels can be reopened or vessels can be closed in a targeted manner. The treatment of spleen vessels requires a particularly careful consideration of benefits and risks.

Careful selection

Heart and liver function are among the key considerations for TIPS. Possible consequences include hepatic encephalopathy and additional strain on the heart. We discuss the suitability of the procedures for your individual situation in a personal consultation.

Consultation and preparation

Bring existing doctor’s letters, image data, and a current medication plan. Change medications please only after medical consultation. We discuss benefits, risks and alternatives with you.

Further: Technical information on the subject area ↗
Editorial status: September 2026 · Sources and photo credits

Other areas of the body