Managing blood clotting in patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing TIPS

Optimizing Periinterventional Coagulation Management of Patients Undergoing a Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Implantation: A Prospective Randomized Cohort Study

Not applicable Interventional Medical University of Graz · NCT04421924

This study is testing a new way to manage blood clotting in patients with liver cirrhosis who are having a TIPS procedure to see if it can help reduce complications and improve their health.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment39 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMedical University of Graz Academic / other
Locations1 site (Graz)
Trial IDNCT04421924 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of a thrombelastography-guided algorithm for managing coagulation status in patients with liver cirrhosis who are undergoing a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure. The TIPS procedure is used to treat complications of portal hypertension in cirrhotic patients, but it carries risks such as bleeding and other complications due to coagulation disturbances. By optimizing coagulation management before the procedure, the study aims to reduce these risks and improve patient outcomes. Participants will be monitored for complications and overall health following the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 with liver cirrhosis who require TIPS implantation.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to TIPS, ongoing bleeding, or severe hepatic encephalopathy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce complications and mortality associated with TIPS in cirrhotic patients.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on coagulation management in liver disease, this specific approach using thrombelastography is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
inclusion criteria

* Liver cirrhosis
* \>18 years
* Indication for TIPS implantation
* Ability to sign informed consent exclusion criteria
* Contraindications against TIPS implantation
* Hepatocellular carcinoma BCLC D
* Ongoing bleeding
* pre-existing anticoagulant therapy at time of inclusion
* administration of blood products within 1 week prior to the enrolment
* Other malignancies that lead to an impaired 90-day survival
* Inherit blood clotting disorders
* Hepatic encephalopathy grade 3 or 4
* any other condition or circumstance, which, in the opinion of the investigator, would affect the patient's ability to participate in the protocol

Where this trial is running

Graz

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Liver Cirrhosis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.