Peritoneovenous shunt
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Synonyms and keywords: LeVeen shunt; denver shunt
Overview
A peritoneovenous shunt is a shunt which drains peritoneal fluid from the peritoneum into the internal jugular vein. It is sometimes used in patients with refractory ascites.
It is a long tube with a non-return valve running subcutaneously from the peritoneum to the internal jugular vein in the neck, which allows ascitic fluid to pass directly into the systemic circulation.
Complications
Possible complications include:
- Infection
- Superior vena caval thrombosis
- Pulmonary edema
- Bleeding from varices
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation