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 type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Chongqing, Chongqing Municipality and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 19, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | January 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07349654 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
- Study coordinator: Yongjun Zhu, Doctor
- Email: hp545204493@126.com
- Phone: 86-13281121937
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Early TIPS for patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites
This study is testing if a procedure called TIPS can help people with liver cirrhosis and fluid buildup in their abdomen feel better compared to standard treatments like medications and draining the fluid.
-
Using spleen size to help detect gastroesophageal varices in compensated cirrhosis
This study tests whether ultrasound measurements of spleen size can help identify esophageal varices in adults with compensated cirrhosis, compared with the standard endoscopy test.
-
Laparoscopic liver and spleen removal for small liver cancer in people with cirrhosis and enlarged spleen
This study tests whether removing part of the liver and the spleen during one operation helps people with small liver cancers and hypersplenism by improving liver function and immune balance.
-
Coil-assisted small-diameter stent shunt reduction for refractory HE after TIPS
A coil-assisted, small-diameter covered-stent technique is being tested to see if it can safely and effectively reduce shunt flow and lessen recurrent hepatic encephalopathy in people with a prior TIPS.
-
Using Dapagliflozin to help manage ascites in cirrhosis
This study tests whether adding dapagliflozin to standard care helps people with cirrhosis and ascites reduce fluid buildup and improve outcomes.
-
Foscenvivint in HIV/HCV co-infected adults with liver cirrhosis and hemophilia
This study tests whether foscenvivint can help people with liver cirrhosis due to HIV/HCV co-infection who also have hemophilia.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.