Single-Centre Retrospective Study Using Propensity Score Matching Comparing Left Versus Right Internal Jugular Vein Access for Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) Creation

Purpose To compare the safety and efficacy of left versus right internal jugular vein access for portal vein puncture during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation in patients with a small liver and short vertical puncture distance. Materials and Methods The vertical distance from the hepatic vein orifice to the puncture point of the portal vein was measured by CT and DSA. A distance ≤ 30 mm is defined as a short vertical puncture distance. After 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM), 29 patients of left internal jugular vein-TIPS (LIJ-TIPS) and 29 patients of right internal jugular vein-TIPS (RIJ-TIPS) were included. The number of needle punctures, fluoroscopy time, and radiation dose during the puncture process were statistically analyzed. Results There was no significant difference in the average vertical puncture distances on CT or DSA between LIJ-TIPS and RIJ-TIPS (19.10 ± 0.60 mm vs. 19.30 ± 0.60 mm, P = 0.840; 22.02 ± 0.69 mm vs. 22.23 ± 0.64 mm, P = 0.822, respectively). The average number of needle punctures, fluoroscopy time, and radiation dose in LIJ-TIPS were significantly lower than those in RIJ-TIPS (2.07 ± 0.20 vs. 4.10 ± 0.24, P < 0.001; 78.45 ± 12.80 s vs. 201.16 ± 23.71 s, P < 0.001; 31.55 ± 7.04 mGy vs. 136.69 ± 16.38 mGy, P < 0.001, respectively). Within three punctures, the technical success rate in LIJ-TIPS was significantly higher than that in RIJ-TIPS (86.2 vs. 27.6%, P < 0.001). The incidence of hemoperitoneum in LIJ-TIPS was significantly lower than that in RIJ-TIPS (0% vs. 13.8%, P = 0.038). Conclusion The left internal jugular vein could be used as primary access for TIPS creation in patients with a small liver and short vertical puncture distance.