Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Interventional Ages 18 to 75

Underdilated stent technique to reduce encephalopathy after TIPS

Official title: Underdilated-stent Technique Improves Post-transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Encephalopathy: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Run by The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University · NCT07349654 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This trial tries to see if using an underdilated stent (smaller balloon dilation before placing a standard covered stent) during TIPS lowers the chance of hepatic encephalopathy for people with cirrhosis who need TIPS for variceal bleeding or refractory ascites.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
Enrollment72 (estimated)
SponsorThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Chongqing, Chongqing Municipality and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedNovember 19, 2024
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2027
Study endsDecember 31, 2027
Registry record updatedJanuary 20, 2026
Trial IDNCT07349654 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults with liver cirrhosis who have a history of esophagogastric variceal bleeding or refractory/recurrent ascites and are planned for TIPS are the intended candidates.

Probably not a fit

People with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension, prior TIPS or other portal-pressure altering procedures, advanced malignant disease, irreversible multi-organ failure, or prior overt hepatic encephalopathy (West-Haven ≥2) are excluded and unlikely to benefit.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional trial compares an underdilated-stent strategy with standard dilation in patients receiving transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for variceal bleeding or refractory ascites. Patients receive either a smaller initial balloon dilation (6 mm) prior to deploying a standard 8 mm covered stent or a full 8 mm dilation during stent placement. The study follows participants for incidence of post-TIPS hepatic encephalopathy, shunt patency, and control of portal hypertension. Results will show whether a smaller immediate lumen reduces encephalopathy while preserving clinical benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this technique could lower the risk of hepatic encephalopathy after TIPS while maintaining effective portal decompression.

How similar studies have gone: Early reports and small-series experiences with the underdilated approach have suggested reduced post-TIPS encephalopathy, but large randomized data are limited.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Liver cirrhosis, defined by clinical manifestations, biochemical indicators, imaging examinations, or liver biopsy;
* History of esophagogastric variceal bleeding, or refractory/recurrent ascites;
* Intended to undergo TIPS treatment.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension;
* Previous treatments that may affect portal pressure, such as TIPS or surgical procedures;
* History of overt hepatic encephalopathy (West-Haven classification ≥2);
* Malignant tumors in advanced stages;
* Concomitant irreversible heart, liver, kidney, or respiratory failure;
* Unable or unwilling to sign the informed consent form.

Where it's running

  • The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University
    Chongqing, Chongqing Municipality, China
    Recruiting
  • Qianjiang Central Hospital
    Qianjiang, Chongqing Municipality, China
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.