Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) refers to a procedure to treat blocked or reduced blood flow to the liver, caused by cirrhosis, hepatitis, or portal hypertension. A catheter is inserted through a small incision in the skin near the neck and guided via x-ray to create a new opening in the liver between the portal vein and one of the hepatic veins. A stent is inserted to hold open the shunt created by the catheter.
