\> Patient has cirrhosis of the liver with portal hypertension

\> Patient has difficult to treat ascites

\> Patient is 18 years or older and \<70 years old at randomization

\> Patient is willing and able to comply with all study protocol requirements, including specified follow-up and testing.

\> Patient, or legal authorized representative, is willing to provide written informed consent prior to enrollment in the study.

Early TIPS for Ascites Study