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NCT07703540Completed

Inferior Vena Cava Pressure as Alternative to Hepatic Venous Pressure for EUS-guided Portal Pressure Gradient Measurement

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Last updated 14 Jul 2026

Brief summary (registry, in English)

This study investigates a new, simplified approach to measuring blood pressure within the liver (portal hypertension) using Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Portal Pressure Gradient Measurement (EUS-PPG). While this minimally invasive method traditionally relies on a hepatic vein as the baseline reference point, advanced liver scarring can make these veins twisted and highly difficult to access. To address this challenge, our study evaluates the Inferior Vena Cava (IVC)-the body's largest main vein-as an alternative reference site. Currently, it remains scientifically unproven whether the inferior vena cava or the hepatic vein provides the more reliable and accurate pressure reading for calculation, as anatomical distortion from cirrhosis can affect both areas differently. By measuring and comparing both venous compartments during a single, clinically scheduled endoscopy session, this study aims to determine if the pressures are truly interchangeable. Ultimately, this research will clarify which vessel serves as the optimal reference point, helping to establish a safer, more reliable diagnostic standard for patients with complex vascular anatomy.

Status (registry)
Completed
Study type
Observational
Enrollment
40 (actual)
First submitted
8 Jul 2026
Start date
1 Feb 2026
Primary completion date
30 Apr 2026
Lead sponsor
University Hospital Muenster
NCT number
NCT07703540

What you commit to

  • Study type: Observational
  • Participants enrolled: 40
  • From 1 Feb 2026 to the primary completion date, 30 Apr 2026
  • 1 site in 1 country
  • Visits and tests: ask the trial team, the registry does not list them

Built from the registry fields of ClinicalTrials.gov. It describes the study, not your situation.

Who cannot take part

Copied verbatim from ClinicalTrials.gov and grouped by topic. Only the trial team decides who can take part.

Prior treatment

  • altered IVC anatomy such as patients after liver transplantation with piggy-back anastomosis

Other illness

  • known hepatic vein thrombosis or Budd-Chiari syndrome

Lab values

  • severe coagulopathy (INR \>2.0), thrombocytopenia (\<50,000/µL)

Other

  • large-volume ascites
  • gastric varices precluding safe vascular puncture
  • contraindication to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or sedation
  • pregnancy

Who the study is looking for

  • Consecutive adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing clinically indicated EUS-guided portal pressure gradient measurement

Age in the registry: 18 years to - · Sex: All · Does not accept healthy volunteers

Full criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov

Sites (1)

Sites in registry order. Pick your city on the disease page to sort them by distance.

SiteCityCountrySite status
University hospital Muenster
Coordinator of this site? Confirm its status
MünsterGermanyUnknown status

This page is information, not medical advice. Discuss any trial with your doctor.