Liver cirrhosis is a major healthcare problem worldwide with a high mortality which is predominantly caused by complications of portal hypertension, e.g. variceal bleeding and ascites. Reduction of the portal pressure by implantation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is the key in the treatment of these complications. Since the first TIPS implantation in 1989 in Freiburg, more than 2500 procedures followed. It should be emphasized that, in our hospital, Gastroenterologists are not only responsible for the clinical care of these patients but they also perform the TIPS procedure and are, therefore, able to cover all aspects of the TIPS treatment.    

This clinical school will focus on the indications of the TIPS treatment including vascular diseases such as the Budd-Chiari syndrome and portal vein thrombosis. In addition, pathophysiological mechanisms of the treatment, its contraindications and complications will be discussed. As a highlight of the clinical school, a live demonstration of the TIPS implantation will be provided and each step will be commented and discussed.   

• Gain fundamental knowledge of the pathophysiological aspects of portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis.
• Understand the indications and contraindications for TIPS implantation.
• Be able to select patients for TIPS implantation.
•  Start to appreciate the complexities of the technique of TIPS implantation.
• Gain understanding of prognostic parameters in patients with TIPS implantation.
• Gain understanding and skills in the management of patients after TIPS implantation

• Hepatologists
• Transplant hepatologists 

• To refresh your knowledge on the pathogenesis and treatment of portal hypertension.
• To learn everything important about the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. 
• To get to know the Freiburg University Hospital – the place where the “TIPS-Story” began.