[Nonsurgical production of intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunts in portal hypertension with the double lumen balloon catheter (author's transl)].

A nonsurgical production of intrahepatic shungs between the left portal and left hepatic vein was evaluated in twelve dogs with acute portal hypertension. Dilatation of the intrahepatic tract was achieved by means of a double lumen balloon catheter introduced into the portal system with the transjugular approach. The shunts proved to be effective in immediate reduction of increased portal pressure and no significant complications were encountered.