OBJECTIVETo determine and analyze plasma ammonia concentration difference of the portal vein system and ramifications of rabbits and consequently guide selection of the portal vein in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) so that reduce shunt-induced hepatic encephalopathic incidence. To evaluate clinical significance of transjugular intrahepatic left branch of portal vein portosystemic shunt (TILPS) and to analyse hemodynamics of both branches of the portal vein and to observe long-term results in the prevention of encephalopathy.

METHODSBlood samples in different portal vein branches of rabbits were collected and the plasma ammonia concentration was assayed and compared. The left branch of portal vein was used as the puncture site to perform TILPS and to keep away from the right branch of portal vein blood that contains nutrition and toxin.

RESULTSPlasma ammonia content was superior in the mesenteric vein and higher than the portal vein branch, the splenic vein, and the vena cava. The right portal vein was above the left. Encephalopathy did not occur in all patients within 3 months. Of the 341 patients undergoing TILPS, encephalopathy occurred in only 5 patients (1.47%) and shunt abnormalities in 19 patients (5.57%) verified by venography during overall follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONSSelective left branch of the portal vein portosystemic shunt can decrease encephalopathy obviously and protect liver function.