Treatment of refractory ascites with an automated low-flow ascites pump in patients with cirrhosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Refractory ascites (RA) is a frequent complication of cirrhosis, requiring large volume paracentesis or placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS). The automated low-flow ascites pump (alfapump, Sequana Medical AG, Zurich, Switzerland) is an innovative treatment option for patients with RA.

Aim

To assess safety and efficacy of this treatment in patients with a contraindication to TIPSS.

Methods

Fifty-six patients (43 males; mean age 62 years) from centres in Germany, Switzerland, UK and Spain were included and followed for up to 24 months. Complications, device deficiencies, paracentesis frequency and patient survival were recorded.

Results

At the time of this analysis, 3 patients completed the 24-month observation period, m

SUBMITTER: Stirnimann G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5698811 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature