What is the purpose of a TIPSS procedure?

The purpose of a TIPSS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt) procedure is to create a shunt between the portal veins and the hepatic veins. This procedure is typically performed on patients with portal hypertension, which can occur due to liver cirrhosis and other liver diseases. By establishing a connection between the portal circulation and systemic venous circulation, TIPSS alleviates the elevated pressure in the portal vein, which can lead to complications such as variceal bleeding and ascites.

The creation of this shunt effectively reduces portal venous pressure and the complications associated with it. It allows blood to bypass the diseased liver tissue, thus improving some of the clinical symptoms related to portal hypertension. The benefits of TIPSS can also include improved quality of life for patients suffering from the effects of portal hypertension.

In contrast, enhancing hepatic artery function and clearing bile ducts do not directly relate to the objectives of a TIPSS procedure, which focuses specifically on managing portal hypertension and its associated complications. Additionally, reducing blood pressure in the heart is not a function of TIPSS, as it primarily targets the venous system linked to the liver rather than the cardiac system.