Figure 55-7 Transjugular intrahepatic portal-systemic shunt (TIPS) procedure. A stent (or stents) is passed through the internal jugular vein over a wire into the hepatic vein (A); dilated esophageal varices (EV) are apparent. The wire and stent or stents are then advanced into the portal vein (B), after which blood can pass through the portal vein into the hepatic vein and bypass and decompress dilated esophageal veins (C). (Reproduced with permission from www.med.umich.edu/1libr/topics/liver09.htm.)