HEPATIC VEIN / IVC STENTING
What is hepatic vein/IVC stenting:
- Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is when a clot (lump of blood cells) blocks or narrows the hepatic veins (veins that drain the liver) or IVC. This blockage sends blood back into the liver, causing it to enlarge. The spleen (an organ on the upper left side of the abdomen that aids in the fight against infection by filtering the blood) may also get enlarged due to this.
- Hepatic vein/ IVC stenting is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to treat Budd-Chiari Syndrome. A small metal mesh tube, called a stent, is put in the blocked vein during this procedure to help keep it open and restore blood flow to the liver.
Why it is necessary:
- IF blockage is not removed it leads to liver damage, liver failure, and even death.
- To treat Acute/chronic liver failure, portal hypertension, hepatic encephalopathy or liver cirrhosis related to budd-chiari syndrome.
Preparation for procedure:
- Few basic blood investigations like LFT, CBC, PT/INR, viral markers.
- Upper GI endoscopy for oesophageal varices.
- Fasting for 4-6 hrs.
- Bring all the records including imaging record.
- Signing consent form.
What are risk:
- Stent block.
- Pain and bleeding (less than 1 case in 1000).
Stent block can be detected early through regular ultrasound scans performed every three months. Once an area of narrowing has been identified, it can be treated with a balloon to widen the area of blockage (angioplasty). The angioplasty restores normal blood flow through the stent. This procedure, known as a stent angioplasty, can be performed as a day procedure on an outpatient basis.
