| CPC A61B 18/1492 (2013.01) [A61B 2017/00026 (2013.01); A61B 2017/003 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00196 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00404 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00529 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00642 (2013.01); A61B 2018/144 (2013.01); A61B 2218/007 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |

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1. A method of performing a TIPS procedure, comprising the steps of:
advancing a flexible radiofrequency catheter into a first vessel, the flexible radiofrequency catheter having a lumen therethrough;
advancing a guiding sheath overtop of the flexible radiofrequency catheter, wherein the guiding sheath includes at least one directional marker visible as a first shape in a side view and as a second shape in a top view, and alignment bands located on an angled tip of the guiding sheath, the alignment bands configured for alignment in a gun-barrel view;
visualizing the guiding sheath and radiofrequency catheter under imaging;
steering the guiding sheath, using the at least one directional marker and the alignment bands, to direct a distal tip of the flexible radiofrequency catheter towards a second vessel; and,
delivering radiofrequency energy using the flexible radiofrequency catheter to form a tract from the first vessel and entering the second vessel.
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