TIPS treatment for decompensated liver cirrhosis

Benefits and Limitations of Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunts (TIPS) in Patients With Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis

Observational Hannover Medical School · NCT04801290

Collecting clinical data and blood samples from adults with decompensated liver cirrhosis who receive a TIPS to try to improve how doctors choose who should get the procedure.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment250 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorHannover Medical School Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hanover, Lower Saxony)
Trial IDNCT04801290 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This single-center registry at Hannover Medical School enrolls patients with liver cirrhosis who undergo transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) as part of routine care. Clinical data, laboratory results and blood samples are collected prospectively to identify factors linked to outcomes such as control of ascites, prevention of variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, and survival. No experimental treatments are given; TIPS is performed according to standard clinical practice and patients are followed over time. The aim is to refine selection criteria and management strategies to reduce complications and improve outcomes for future patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (age 18+) with liver cirrhosis who have an indication for TIPS and are treated at Hannover Medical School who can give informed consent.

Not a fit: People under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding patients, those with symptomatic severe anemia (hemoglobin <7 g/dL), or patients treated elsewhere will not qualify and are less likely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors select patients who will benefit most from TIPS and reduce procedure-related complications.

How similar studies have performed: TIPS is an established treatment for portal hypertension complications like refractory ascites and variceal bleeding, and prior multicenter studies have shown benefit, while registries are commonly used to refine patient selection.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Liver cirrhosis
* Indication for TIPS insertion
* Treatment at the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology of Hannover Medical School
* Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy or Lactation
* Age \<18 years
* Lack of Informed consent
* Symptomatic anemia with Hb \<7g/dl

Where this trial is running

Hanover, Lower Saxony

Study contacts

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 Decompensated Liver CirrhosisPortal hypertensionTIPSRefractory ascitesVariceal bleedingLiver 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.