From the Research
Needle Size for TIPS Procedure
- The needle size used for a Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) procedure is a 21-gauge long PTC needle, as reported in a study published in 1994 1.
- This study introduced a new coaxial needle system, hepatic artery targeting wire, and biplane fluoroscopy to increase safety and efficacy of the TIPS procedure.
- The use of a 21-gauge needle allowed for the successful performance of TIPS in seven patients with postnecrotic cirrhosis without technical difficulties or complications.
Comparison with Other Procedures
- Other studies have compared the use of different needle sizes for various medical procedures, such as liver core-needle biopsy 2, ultrasound-guided biopsy for peripheral pulmonary lesions 3, and needle gauge and tip designs for preventing post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) 4.
- However, these studies do not provide direct evidence for the needle size used in TIPS procedures.
- A study on outpatient kidney biopsies found that an 18-gauge needle may lower the risk of complications and obtain adequate tissue 5, but this is not directly relevant to TIPS procedures.