RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES.The feasibility of producing acute portal hypertension in a porcine model was evaluated to test the relationship between portosystemic shunt flow and portal pressure.METHODS.Percutaneous transhepatic cannulation of the portal vein and cutdown of a systemic vein was accomplished in anesthetized pigs. The portal system was subsequently embolized with polyvinyl alcohol (Ivalon) particles. Portosystemic shunting was performed with the assistance of a centrifugal pump.RESULTS.Portal hypertension could be routinely produced, and portosystemic shunting was successfully studied in three of four animals. Linear changes in shunt flow led to exponential pressure changes.CONCLUSIONS.This animal model provides a representation of acute portal hypertension that provides useful data regarding the compliance of the portal system and illustrates the pressure/flow relationship.
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