Evaluation of different methods of securing cellophane bands for portosystemic shunt attenuation.

Objective: To compare mechanisms of and pressures at failure of 4 methods of securing 2 types of cellophane bands around a vein.

Study Design: Ex vivo mechanical evaluation.

Methods: Cellophane bands composed of 3 or 4 layers were applied around a cadaveric external jugular vein (EJV) to create 25% or 50% attenuation. These bands were secured with a medium or medium-large polymer locking ligation clip (PLLC), or a medium or medium-large titanium ligation clip (TLC). Sterile saline 0.9% was instilled into the lumen of the EJV until a pressure of 100 mm Hg was reached. Failure mechanism and luminal pressure at failure were compared between groups.

Results: Medium clips failed less often than medium-large clips (P < .001) and consistently sustained 100 mm Hg without failing. Three-layer cellophane bands were 4.1 times more likely to fail than 4-layer bands (P = .003, CI 1.6-10.2) and failed at lower pressures (28.32 ± 3.59 mm Hg and 44.81 ± 6.51 mm Hg, respectively, P = .027). Failure rates of the cellophane band constructs did not differ whether secured with PLLC or with TLC (P = .635) or with 25% vs 50% attenuation (P = .780).

Conclusion: A single medium clip withstood physiological forces and secured a cellophane band at up to 50% attenuation. A 3-layer cellophane band was more likely to fail compared with a 4-layer cellophane band.

Clinical Significance: These ex vivo results provide evidence to support the application of a 4-layer cellophane band secured with a single medium PLLC or TLC for portosystemic shunt attenuation. A single medium PLLC should be used to eliminate computed tomography artifacts during postoperative evaluation of shunt closure.