During the TIPSS procedure, what type of wire is exchanged for the needle?

In the Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPSS) procedure, a .035-inch wire is typically exchanged for the needle during the access and placement of the shunt. This is a critical step in ensuring proper access to the hepatic vein and facilitating the placement of the shunt. The .035 wire is preferred because of its stiffness and strength, which allows for easier navigation through the vascular structures and provides adequate torque for manipulation.

Using a wire of this caliber also helps in advancing catheters and other tools necessary for creating the shunt, making it a standard choice in interventional radiology. This specific wire gauge strikes a balance between maneuverability and support, which is essential during such delicate vascular procedures. The other wire sizes listed do not provide the same level of support or are not typically used in this aspect of the TIPSS procedure.