Do u/s first to assess PV patency, flow direction, status of hepatic veins, degree of ascites, and eval for liver tumor
Check coags and correct w/ FFP
Broad spectrum antibiotics
10Fr sheath RIJ and assess RA and IVC pressures
Measure wedged hepatic vein pressure which will equal PV pressure, subtract the IVC pressure to get gradient
Insert needle
Opacify the portal vein via a wedged contrast injection
Stick the needle anteromedially into the right portal vein
Needle is then withdrawn a bit until you get blood back
Inject contrast to check your position
Advance a guidewire into the PV and then to the splenic vein or SMV
Dilate the parenchymal track with a 10mm balloon
Place 10 or 12 mm Wallstent so that one end is within 3 cm of the portal bifurcation, and the other within 3cm of the IVC
Dilate tract with a 10mm balloon
If gradient remains (>12mm Hg), redilate w/ 12mm balloon
If gradient persists, can employ parallel stent or embolize varices