Evaluation of Hemodynamic Parameters Following Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS)

Prior to and 1-3 days after the TIPS procedure, the following blood tests are done for research purposes: Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP); Endothelin-1; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-a); Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS). Subjects with abnormal heart pressures during TIPS will have a right heart catheterization (RHC) to monitor heart function, blood flow, and pressures in and around the heart. The subject will be admitted to the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit and have a TTE all of which are standard of care. Routine follow-up visits will occur in IR Clinic at 2 Weeks (± 3 days), 4-6 weeks and 4-6 months. Visits will include: blood draws for research related blood tests as listed above; standard of care ultrasound of the abdomen; TTEs; and for at least one year, routine lab testing, imaging, medications, and subject overall condition will be assessed for long term outcomes. Diagnostic RHC will be done as needed per standard of care.

"Subject's with normal heart pressures who are having elective (planned in advance and not due to an emergency) TIPS due to refractory ascites (fluid build up in the belly that does not go away or comes back shortly after being removed). Prior to and 1-3 days after the TIPS procedure, the following blood tests are done for research purposes: Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP); Endothelin-1; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-a); Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS). The subject will be admitted to the hospital after TIPS for standard of care monitoring.~Routine follow-up visits will occur in IR Clinic at 2 Weeks (± 3 days), 4-6 weeks and 4-6 months. Visits will include: blood draws for research related blood tests as listed above; standard of care ultrasound of the abdomen; and for at least one year, routine lab testing, imaging, medications, and subject overall condition will be assessed for long term outcomes."