Wir überwinden Grenzen

Research group at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg receives 90,000 euros in funding / Research into personalized therapy for liver vascular disease

A major step towards therapy optimization: The Dr. Rolf M. Schwiete Foundation is supporting the research of PD Dr. Dominik Bettinger, senior physician and head of the Interventional Hepatology working group at the Department of Medicine II at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg, with around 90,000 euros over 2.5 years. His clinical and scientific work focuses on interventional hepatology and in particular the creation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). This procedure was developed by Prof. Dr. Martin Rössle in the Department of Medicine II more than 30 years ago and is now continued at the highest clinical level by PD Dr. Michael Schultheiß and PD Dr. Dominik Bettinger. Complications of liver cirrhosis can be treated safely and effectively with a TIPS system. In patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome, in which thrombotic occlusion of the hepatic veins occurs, TIPS can also effectively treat the resulting complications.

The Interventional Hepatology working group headed by Bettinger focuses on optimizing treatment for patients with advanced liver disease who present for a TIPS procedure. The aim is to optimize the prognosis and response to TIPS by identifying the optimal patient at the best possible time for TIPS. The funded project aims to develop an optimized risk stratification for patients with Budd-Chairi syndrome. In addition to conventional parameters, CT-based body composition parameters will also be included. By identifying patients at risk, individualized management of this clinical picture can be achieved, which significantly reduces the morbidity and mortality of these patients.

Detailed information on the clinical use and scientific status of TIPS can be found at www.uniklinik-freiburg.de/medizin2/inhalte/tips