New stent technique could reduce deadly rebleeding in liver cirrhosis

NCT ID NCT07587671

Not yet recruiting Disease control Sponsor: West China Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study compares a new procedure using a special stent (underdilated VCX-TIPS) with standard treatment (endoscopic banding plus beta-blockers) to prevent variceal rebleeding in people with cirrhosis. The new approach uses a smaller balloon to expand the stent, aiming to lower pressure in the liver's blood vessels while reducing side effects like brain confusion. 240 participants who have recovered from a first variceal bleed will be randomly assigned to one of the two treatments and followed for one year to see which better prevents death or rebleeding.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Underdilated VIATORR Controlled Expansion stent (a device placed in the liver to reduce pressure in blood vessels)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could offer a more effective way to prevent dangerous rebleeding from varices in cirrhosis patients, potentially reducing deaths and the need for repeat procedures.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage trial with only 240 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. The underdilated stent might still cause liver problems or brain confusion (hepatic encephalopathy), and the procedure carries risks like any invasive surgery.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cirrhosis of liver esophageal varices esophageal varices with bleeding Fibrosis hepatic encephalopathy portal hypertension

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ESOPHAGEAL VARICES GASTROESOPHAGEAL VARICES BLEEDING HEPATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY LIVER CIRRHOSIS PORTAL HYPERTENSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University

Chongqing, 610041, China
West China Hospital, Sichuan University

Chengdu, 610041, China
West China Xiamen Hospital, Sichuan University

Xiamen, 610041, China

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