Transjugular liver biopsy and hepatic venous pressure gradient measurement
LIVER
Liver vein catheterization was performed under local anesthesia by experienced specialists according to national standards. In brief, the jugular vein was cannulated under sonographic control, and a Swan‐Ganz balloon catheter was guided to the hepatic veins under fluoroscopic guidance. A blood sample was obtained from the right liver vein. The hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) was measured as the wedged (WHVP) minus the free hepatic venous pressure (FHVP). Pressures were measured directly by a capacitance transducer (Simonsen & Weel). Needle biopsies were taken either by a Cook or Kimal 18 or 19 French biopsy canula. Participants were observed for 2 h after the biopsy and then discharged from the hospital.