Meta-analysis of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation with intravascular ultrasound guidance

To conduct a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation.MEDLINE and Embase databases were queried until July 2022 for comparative studies reporting procedure metrics for TIPS creation with or without IVUS guidance. Meta-analysis was performed with random-effects modeling for total procedural time, time to portal venous access, fluoroscopy time, iodinated contrast volume use, air kerma, dose area product, and number of needle passes. Intraoperative procedure-related complications were also reviewed.Of 95 unique records initially identified, 6 were eligible for inclusion. A total of 194 and 240 patients underwent TIPS with and without IVUS guidance. Pooled analyses indicated that IVUS guidance was associated with reduced total procedure time (SMD -0.76 [95% CI -1.02, -0.50] P < 0.001), time to portal venous access (SMD -0.41 [95% CI -0.67, -0.15] P = 0.002), fluoroscopy time (SMD, -0.54 [95% CI -1.02, -0.07]; P = 0.002), contrast volume use (SMD, -0.89 [95% CI -1.16, -0.63]; P < 0.001), air kerma (SMD, -0.75 [95% CI -1.11, -0.38]; P < 0.001) and dose area product (SMD, -0.98 [95% CI -1.77, -0.20]; P = 0.013). 4.2 and 7.8 needle passes were required in the IVUS and non-IVUS group, respectively (SMD, -0.60 [95% CI -1.42, 0.21]; P = 0.134), whereas pooled complication rates were 15.2% (12/79), and 21.4% (28/131), respectively.IVUS guidance during TIPS creation improves procedural metrics including procedural time, contrast usage, and radiation exposure.