Clinical Research Directory

Prevention of Variceal Rebleeding by EUS-guided vs Conventional Endoscopic Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients

Rebleeding rate is high in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with variceal bleeding despite conventional endoscopic therapies for esophageal and gastric varices (EV, GV). Secondary prevention of variceal rebleeding was reported to improve outcomes of HCC patients, but the optimal endoscopic approach is not well defined. In this difficult-to-manage population, variceal rebleeding rates remain substantial after conventional endoscopic therapies. n recent studies by others and our group on direct EUS-guided therapy for varices in cirrhotic patients, high technical success (90 - 100%), low post-treatment rebleeding rate (3 - 11%) and low adverse event rate (\~3%) have been reported for GV treatment by cyanoacrylate glue injection, coiling or a combination of both, and for cyanoacrylate glue injection or coiling of EV refractory to variceal band ligation (VBL). This study aims to compare rebleeding rates after secondary prevention by EUS-guided therapy or conventional endoscopic therapy in HCC patients with recent variceal bleeding.

Fiber-Optic Navigation During TIPS Creation: A Prospective Pilot Study

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation is an established minimally invasive treatment for complications of portal hypertension such as refractory ascites and variceal bleeding. A technically challenging step of the procedure is the puncture of the portal vein from the hepatic vein, which is usually performed under fluoroscopic guidance and may require multiple puncture attempts. This prospective pilot study evaluates the use of fiber-optic navigation technology during TIPS creation. The system allows real-time three-dimensional visualization of guidewires and catheters and may improve spatial orientation during the procedure. Approximately 30 patients with a clinical indication for TIPS placement will be included. The study will assess procedural parameters such as the number of puncture attempts, fluoroscopy time, radiation exposure, procedure duration, technical success, and complications. The results may help to improve procedural efficiency and radiation safety during TIPS interventions.

Construction of a Portal Hypertension Biobank

Esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding (EGVB) is a severe complication of portal hypertension (PH), characterized by high bleeding volume, high rebleeding rate, and high mortality. In recent years, endoscopic treatment has significantly improved therapeutic efficacy and patient survival. However, due to substantial individual variations among patients, individualized stratified management is crucial. For special populations with cirrhotic portal hypertension, clear management guidelines and clinical research evidence are lacking. The incidence of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension is increasing year by year; it has complex etiologies, lacks specific symptoms and imaging features, and poses diagnostic challenges. Currently, multi-omics research on portal hypertension is insufficient. The integration of multi-omics technologies, including genomics, radiomics, metabolomics, and gut microbiota, holds promise for a more comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis. With continuous improvements in multi-modal medical data fusion technology, there is an urgent need to develop clinical decision support systems by combining standardized multi-omics databases with artificial intelligence techniques, thereby enhancing clinical decision-making capabilities and prognostic assessment. This study aims to expand the established portal hypertension biobank by extending the temporal depth of clinical cohort data and diversifying sample types.

VIATORR® TIPS Study Evaluating 6-10mm Diameters (VIATIPS)

This Registry will look at patients being treated with a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure for portal hypertension. The purpose of this Registry is to collect data on the safety and performance of the GORE® VIATORR® TIPS Endoprosthesis with Controlled Expansion (6-10mm) for 2 years in real world setting. Additionally, data will be collected on the safety and performance of the GORE TIPS Set when utilized.

Effectiveness and Safety of TIPS Stent Graft in the Treatment of Cirrhosis and Complications of Portal Hypertension

This Study is a prospective, multi-center, single-arm objective perform an criteria (OPC) study. A 12 months follow-up study on the patients who intend to receive the treatment of cirrhosis and complications of portal hypertension with the TIPS Stent Graft will be conducted. The primary evaluation endpoint of this Study is the stent patency at 6 months after treatment completion .

Tranxemic Acid and Vitamin K Injection to Control Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Cirrhotic Patients

The goal of this randomized controlled clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy of Tranexamic acid and vitamin K injection versus placebo in control of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in Egyptian cirrhotic patients. Researchers will compare the bleeding and mortality rates (at 5 days and 6 weeks post endoscopic intervention for UGIB) between patients receiving tranxemic acid and vitamin K injection and patients receiving placebo. Participants presenting with variceal bleeding will be randomly assigned to receive tranexamic acid (1 g loading dose followed by 3 g maintenance dose over 24- 48 hours) and intravenous injection of 10 mg daily of vitamin K for 24-48 h or matching placebo group receiving IV saline. Intervention will be carried out besides the recommended initial management of airway management, hemodynamic stabilization, octreotide analogue, PPI, antibiotics, and endoscopy. Follow-up All patients will be kept at the hospital for at least 5 days from the index bleed and will be discharged if no other reason was observed to keep them at the hospital. The rate of rebleeding, need for blood transfusion, hospital stay, adverse effects, and mortality rate were evaluated and compared across the groups. At discharge, all patients will be started on nonselective beta-blockers if there was no contraindication. They will be given instructions to attend to hospital if they noticed any melena or hematemesis. Second follow-up after 6 weeks for the rebleeding rate and mortality related to bleeding rate.

Early Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with main trunk portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) has poor prognosis. The main lethiferous factor is the upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage by PVTT-related portal hypertension. Studies have proven that early transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) with 72 hours after acute variceal bleeding is effective.