| portasystemic shunt, transjugular intrahepatic | A type of surgical portasystemic shunt to reduce portal hypertension with associated complications of oesophageal varices and ascites. It is performed percutaneously through the jugular vein and involves the creation of an intrahepatic shunt between the hepatic vein and portal vein. The channel is maintained by a metallic stent. The procedure can be performed in patients who have failed sclerotherapy and is an additional option to the surgical techniques of portocaval, mesocaval, and splenorenal shunts. It takes one to three hours to perform. (jama 1995;273(23):1824-30) (12 Dec 1998) |
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| portative | 1. Portable. 2. <physics> Capable of holding up or carrying; as, the portative force of a magnet, of atmospheric pressure, or of capillarity. Origin: Cf. F. Portatif Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |