Peritoneovenous shunt

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A peritoneovenous shunt (also called LeVeen Shunt) is a shunt which drains peritoneal fluid from the peritoneum into veins, usually the internal jugular vein or the superior vena cava. 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.

Possible complications include:

1. Infection
2. Superior vena caval thrombosis
3. Pulmonary edema
4. Bleeding from varices
5. Disseminated intravascular coagulation

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