A set (FIG. 1&2) designed to provide a durable access to the
portal vein and to divert portal blood to the
systemic circulation in order to relieve congested portal
system. The set is composed of a duct (1) and a shunt tube (7). The duct is composed of a covered flexible tubular
braid with two opened ends. One end has flaring edges and forms the inner opening (2) while the other end is sealed to form a hub (3). To insert the duct into the intrahepatic
portal vein through the
percutaneous route the duct is mounted over a puncture needle (13) and contained in a small-constrained
diameter by means of a peel-away sheath (16). After the position of the inner opening of the duct has been adjusted to the desired location the said sheath is peeled away to allow the duct to expand. The shunt tube (7) is composed of a long flexible
vascular graft (8) equipped at its upper end with a head (9) while its lower end is free to be sutured with the
femoral vein (21). The said head is cupped at the inner side (10) to fit in the hub (3) of the said duct (1), while back of the said head has a window covered with an
elastic membrane (11). This shunt tube is applied in case both a portal access and a porto-systemic shunt are required. In case of only a durable portal access is needed, a plug (4) with a central window covered by an
elastic membrane (6) is applied to the hub of the duct. This prevents bleeding from the duct and simultaneously allows entrance of needles, catheters, etc. to the duct and
portal vein.