#United States #Franklin Lakes #Becton Dickinson #portal hypertension #Liverty TIPS

Revolutionary Advancement in Portal Hypertension Care

In a groundbreaking announcement, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a frontrunner in medical technology, has revealed its next-generation Liverty™ TIPS Stent Graft aimed at enhancing treatment options for portal hypertension across the European Union. This innovative device, which has recently applied for CE marking, is poised to transform the therapeutic landscape for patients suffering from advanced liver disease, including those with cirrhosis and its complications.

Understanding Portal Hypertension

Globally, approximately 58 million individuals are impacted by cirrhosis, as reported in the latest Global Burden of Disease study. This condition can lead to portal hypertension, a serious health challenge that might result in life-threatening complications such as variceal bleeding and fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest. The Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) procedures are critical in mitigating symptoms linked to elevated portal pressure, thus improving blood flow for affected patients.

Features of the Liverty™ TIPS Stent Graft

The Liverty™ TIPS Stent Graft is notable for its adjustable internal diameter ranging from 6 to 10 mm, and offers the most extensive selection of stent lengths presently available. Key attributes of this innovative device include:

• - A self-expanding nitinol structure that ensures flexibility and adaptability.
• - A dual-layer ePTFE coating infused with carbon on the inner surface, designed to enhance safety and effectiveness.
• - Complete delivery through a tri-axial release system, ensuring precise placement and control during the intervention.

As Rima Alameddine, the head of BD's Peripheral Intervention Division, articulated, “For patients facing complications from portal hypertension, having access to safe, effective, and adaptable therapeutic options is crucial.” With the CE marking for Liverty, BD introduces a customizable solution that empowers physicians to tailor treatment protocols, thereby improving potential long-term outcomes for patients.

Clinical Research and Validation

Funding the efficacy and safety of the Liverty TIPS Stent Graft is the global ARCH clinical trial. This multicenter, single-arm study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the graft in treating portal hypertension complications. The trial’s results will be unveiled for the first time at the upcoming Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) annual scientific congress on April 12, 2026.

Prof. Ziv Haskal, MD, the Principal Investigator for the study, remarked, “The Liverty™ TIPS Stent Graft signifies a significant advancement in managing patients with severe portal hypertension complications. The adjustable diameter along with the release system allows physicians to tailor the shunt according to each patient's unique physiology, a vital element for ensuring a safe and effective TIPS.”

Looking Ahead

As of now, the Liverty™ TIPS Stent Graft remains an experimental device in the United States, restricted for clinical investigative use only. BD aims to bring this innovation to patients in Europe, thereby addressing a critical need in the healthcare sector. The company’s relentless dedication to advancing health technologies continues to drive improvements in clinical outcomes, cost reduction, and enhanced care accessibility.

In more than 60 countries, BD is committed to fostering clinical excellence through innovative solutions. By closely collaborating with healthcare professionals, BD strives to make a positive and enduring impact on global health.

For further details on BD and its innovative medical technologies, visit bd.com or follow them on LinkedIn and Instagram.