Abstract: An apparatus method for establishing a Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt between the portal vein from a hepatic vein. The apparatus comprises an elongated hollow outer guide; an outer handle having an inner lumen and a first luer lock, the outer handle attached at a proximal end of the outer guide, the outer guide in flow communication with the inner lumen and the luer lock; an elongated hollow inner needle; and a hub having a second luer lock, the hub attached at a proximal end of the inner needle, the inner needle in flow communication with the second luer lock. The inner needle is slidingly received into the outer guide through the inner lumen. The inner needle is configured to rotate within the outer guide by manipulation of the hub; and a distal tip of the inner needle is deployed out of and beyond a distal tip of the outer guide.

Abstract: An apparatus method for establishing a Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (“TIPS”) between the portal vein from a hepatic vein. The apparatus comprises a multi-needle TIPS device designed to facilitate safer and more rapid catheterization of the portal vein. The method utilizes the multi-needle TIPS device to access the portal vein from the hepatic vein approach. The multi-needle TIPS device and method provides numerous benefits over previous TIPS devices and procedures and results in shorter and safer procedures. Use of multiple needles increases the probability of finding the portal vein more quickly.