Long Term Results of Bypass Graft to the Right Atrium in the Management of Superior Vena Cava Syndrome in Dialysis Patients.

BACKGROUND: Superior vena cava (SVC) occlusion in dialysis patients is a serious complication that can cause SVC syndrome and vascular access dysfunction. While endovascular therapy has advanced to become the first line of treatment, open surgical treatment may still be needed occasionally. However, no long term outcome data has been previously reported. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 5 dialysis patients treated with bypass graft to the right atrium from 2012 to 2014. Four patients had severe dysfunction of their upper arm dialysis access as well as superior vena cava syndrome, and one patient with a femoral tunneled dialysis catheter (TDC) had SVC occlusion. None of the patients were candidates for lower extremity access creation or peritoneal dialysis (PD). Three patients underwent a left brachiocephalic-right atrial bypass and 2 underwent a bypass from the cephalic fistula to the right atrium. RESULTS: All procedures were technically successful and maintained function of the arteriovenous fistulas or allowed creation of a new upper extremity dialysis graft. One-year secondary patency rate of the bypass was 100%. Longer follow up revealed that one patient died of leg sepsis and another one of a stroke within 14 months after the procedure. Another patient did well for 16 months when recurrent graft thrombosis occurred; and ultimately the graft failed after 31 months despite multiple interventions. Two patients maintained bypass graft patency during a follow up of 78 months; however, they underwent multiple endovascular interventions (23) and open vascular access procedures (4) to maintain hemodialysis function. CONCLUSION: Bypass grafts to the right atrium in dialysis patients with SVC occlusion are successful in maintaining function of already existing vascular access or new ones. Long term secondary patency can be achieved but requires strict follow up and a proactive endovascular strategy to treat lesions in the access and or the bypass graft.

Shock due to superior vena cava obstruction detected with point of care ultrasound.

Superior Vena Cava (SVC) syndrome is caused by SVC obstruction by external compression or intraluminal thrombus. Patients with the condition can present with upper body swelling, shortness of breath and shock. This case report highlights the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to evaluate a patient with SVC syndrome in the emergency department. The test offers many advantages over computed tomography (CT), venography, and magnetic resonance imaging which are limited in hemodynamically unstable patients. A 60-year-old male presented with acute respiratory distress and shock. The POCUS showed the presence of a right lung consolidation and SVC thrombus. CT revealed the presence of a large mediastinal mass causing compression of the SVC with clot seen inside the vessel. The patient was thrombolysed with intravenous streptokinase and his hemodynamics improved. Further investigation confirmed the diagnosis of lymphoma. The SVC can be visualized with transthoracic echocardiography using either the suprasternal, right supraclavicular or right parasternal approach. In this case, the presence of consolidation of the right lung mass provided an acoustic window for the visualization of the SVC using the right parasternal view, thereby allowing for more rapid diagnosis and management.

Transcatheter biventricular conversion in an adult patient with a 1.5 ventricle Glenn palliation and superior vena cava syndrome.

Covered stents have a continually expanding spectrum of applications for patients with congenital heart disease. Here we report use of covered stents to successfully perform a first-in-human percutaneous biventricular conversion of a 1.5 ventricle Glenn palliation in an adult born with pulmonary atresia. This case demonstrates that in patients considered borderline for biventricular repair, surgery can potentially be modified to promote growth of underdeveloped structures and setup for transcatheter biventricular conversion.

Percutaneous paraspinal access to the azygos vein to create a neo-vena cava.

We present the case of a child with congenital heart disease repaired in infancy with diffuse central venous occlusions resulting in central venous insufficiency, superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome, and intracranial bleeds. He presented to the catheterization laboratory for multiple transcatheter interventions to recanalize central venous channels which were unsuccessful by conventional methods. Therefore, extravascular venous channels were created to decompress his upper body by creation of a neo-SVC and his lower body with a neo-azygos vein to the neo-SVC. The latter procedure required direct percutaneous access from a paraspinal approach in order to obtain continuity with the azygos vein. At latest follow-up the patient is clinically well and asymptomatic.

Endovascular Treatment of Malignant Superior Vena Cava Syndrome through Upper-Limb Access: A Comparison between Venous-Dedicated and Conventional Stents.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the technical and clinical outcomes of superior vena cava (SVC) stent placement through upper-limb venous access in malignant SVC syndrome (SVCS) and compare the efficacy of different nitinol stent types. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2006 and 2018, 156 patients (132 male; mean age, 62 y; age range, 33-81 y) underwent SVC stent placement for malignant obstructions through upper-limb venous access with 1 of 3 types of nitinol stent: 1 venous-dedicated (Sinus-XL stent) and 2 non-venous-dedicated (E-Luminexx Vascular Stent and Protégé GPS). Cases of common femoral vein access or non-nitinol stents were excluded from further analysis. The mean duration of follow-up was 8 mo. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 99.3% of cases. One patient died during the procedure as a result of cardiac tamponade. Balloon predilation was performed in 10 patients and postdilation in 126. Mean procedural time was 34.4 min (range, 18-80 min). Overall survival rates were 92.3%, 57.3%, and 26.8%, and overall primary patency rates were 94.5%, 84.8% and 79.6%, at 1, 6, and 12 mo, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in primary patency rates between venous- and non-venous-dedicated stents or among different Stanford SVCS grading groups (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: SVC stent placement through an upper-limb approach is a safe, fast, and effective technique. There is no evident benefit of venous-dedicated vs non-venous-dedicated stents in the treatment of malignant SVCS.

A review of endovascular stenting for superior vena cava syndrome in fibrosing mediastinitis.

Fibrosing mediastinitis (FM) is a rare disorder of inflammation and fibrosis involving the mediastinum. The formation of fibroinflammatory mass in the mediastinum can lead to obstruction of mediastinal structures and cause severe debilitating and life-threatening symptoms. Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is a dreaded complication of FM with no medical therapy proven to be efficacious. Spiral vein grafting has long been utilized as first-line therapy for SVC syndrome due to FM. Endovascular repair with stents and angioplasty for malignant causes of SVC syndrome is well established. However, there are limited data on their utility in SVC syndrome due to FM. We present two cases of SVC syndrome due to FM treated with endovascular stenting and a detailed review of current literature on its utility in SVCS due to benign causes.

Acquired systemic-to-pulmonary shunts in a 6-month-old child: case report and review of the literature.

The incidence of paediatric venous thromboembolism has steadily increased in the past decade, by nearly 10% per year. Deep venous thrombosis may remain completely asymptomatic during the acute phase and symptoms may occur later, due to complications. We related the case of a 9-month-old child with increasing cyanosis. A computed tomography (CT) angiography showed a thrombosis of the superior vena cava (SVC) with the development of collateral flow from the systemic to the pulmonary veins. Transcatheter shunt occlusion after SVC recanalization was successfully performed. We discussed the characteristics of these cases and the consequence on our practice in term of treatment (anticoagulation, transcatheter, intervention) and screening.

Stent-retriever thrombectomy in the treatment of infants with acute thrombosis of the superior vena cava and innominate vein.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the efficacy and safety of stent-retriever thrombectomy in infants with thrombosis of the superior vena cava (SVC) and innominate vein. BACKGROUND: Thrombosis of the SVC and of the innominate vein is a potentially life threatening complication in infants during intensive care treatment following major surgical procedures. To avoid reoperations, we evaluated interventional revascularization by stent-retriever thrombectomy. METHODS: From 2015 to 2017, five infants were diagnosed with acute thrombosis of the SVC and innominate vein following major cardiac or pediatric surgery. Using a femoral venous access and 4 or 5 French guiding catheters stent-retriever systems (4/20 mm or 6/30 mm) were placed into the thrombus and retrieved under suction. We aimed to revascularize not only the SVC but also the innominate, jugular, and subclavian veins. RESULTS: Following repeated stent retrieving manoeuvers, we were able to reestablish flow in the major veins of all patients. Due to significant residual thrombotic material, we decided to perform additional balloon dilatation of the SVC and innominate vein in 3/5 patients. There were no complications related to the procedure and none of our patients required blood transfusion. Following the intervention, the patients received treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin. Interventional treatment achieved persistent patency of the SVC and innominate vein in all patients. CONCLUSION: Stent-retriever thrombectomy is a safe and effective method for interventional treatment of acute thrombosis of the central veins in infants. Due to the large amount of thrombotic material, it is frequently required to combine this method with balloon compression of residual thrombotic material.

When There Is a Will, There Is Always a Way: Superior Vena Cava Recanalization Using a Hepatic Vein Access.

Superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction is a major complication of different benign, malignant, or iatrogenic etiologies. Angioplasty is the standard of care when conservative treatment fails. We hereby report a hepatic vein percutaneous access when conventional venous access fails or is not available to perform vascular recanalization in a young patient with SVC obstruction.

Unusual collateral vessel from right subclavian vein to left atrium, a rare complication of superior vena cava obstruction.

The most commonly reported collateral systems in the setting of superior vena cava obstruction are azygos venous system, vertebral venous system, external and internal thoracic venous system based on McLntire and Sykes classification. A 49-year-old female with renal disease complained dyspnea on exertion. Transesophageal echocardiography showed significant mitral annular calcification, large multi-lobulated mass at posterior aspect of RA, and complete obstruction of superior vena cava by thrombus formation. Computed tomography angiography showed a collateral vein to the left atrium (LA) roof. This case report is the first one which shows development of collateral vein from right subclavian to LA.

[Surgical treatment of patients with superior vena cava syndrome associated with permanent vascular access]. / Khirurgicheskoe lechenie bol'nykh s sindromom verkhnei poloi veny, assotsiirovannogo s postoiannym sosudistym dostupom.

Presented herein are two clinical case reports concerning surgical treatment for superior vena cava syndrome in patients suffering from end-stage renal disease and undergoing programmed haemodialysis. Initially attempted roentgen-endovascular recanalization turned out to be unsuccessful. The patients were then subjected to ipsilateral extrathoracic bypass grafting, which made it possible to preserve the vascular access for programmed haemodialysis and to relieve venous hypertension of the limb and the brain, as well as to improve quality of life. In one case, the duration of graft patency amounted to 6 months, during which time collateral circulation developed, with no relapse of venous hypertension observed, and the access functioned for a further 14 months. Thus, survival of the permanent vascular access increased by 20 months. In the second case, the duration of graft patency and functionality of the vascular access at the time of writing this article amounted to 12 months.

A Review of Open and Endovascular Treatment of Superior Vena Cava Syndrome of Benign Aetiology.

BACKGROUND: The widespread use of central venous catheters, ports, pacemakers, and defibrillators has increased the incidence of benign superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS). This study aimed at reviewing the results of open and endovascular treatment of SVCS. METHOD: Medical literature databases were searched for relevant studies. Studies with more than five adult patients, reporting separate results for the SVC were included. Nine studies reported the results of endovascular treatment of SVCS including 136 patients followed up for a mean of 11-48 months. Causes of SVCS were central venous catheters and pacemakers (80.6%), mediastinal fibrosis (13.7%), and other (5.6%). Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and stenting was performed in 73.6%, PTA only in 17.3%, and thrombolysis, PTA, and stenting in 9%. Four studies reported the results of open repair of SVCS including 87 patients followed up between 30 months and 10.9 years. The causes were mediastinal fibrosis (58.4%), catheters and pacemakers (28.5%), and other (13%). Operations performed included a spiral saphenous interposition graft, other vein graft, PTFE graft, and human allograft. Thirteen patients required re-operations (15%) before discharge mainly for graft thrombosis. RESULTS: In the endovascular group technical success was 95.6%. Thirty day mortality was 0%. Regression of symptoms was reported in 97.3%. Thirty-two patients (26.9%) underwent 58 secondary procedures. In the open group the 30 day mortality was 0%. Symptom regression was reported in 93.5%. Twenty-four patients (28.4%) underwent a total of 33 secondary procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular is the first line treatment for SVCS caused by intravenous devices, whereas surgery is most often performed for mediastinal fibrosis. Both treatments show good results regarding regression of the symptoms and mid-term primary patency, with a significant incidence of secondary interventions.

Superior vena cava obstruction associated with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.

A 56-year-old woman with hypertension-induced end stage renal disease presented with skin thickening and mottled discoloration. Cutaneous biopsy showed increased dermal fibroblasts embedded in fibromyxoid stroma with scattered perivascular and interstitial mononuclear cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed prominent CD34+ dendritic cells in septal spaces, consistent with Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF). Seven years and two years prior she had received a gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA). She died due to NSF. Gross autopsy revealed a thickened and stenotic superior vena cava (SVC). Extensive fibrosis of the SVC, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue was noted, together with hyalinized collagen fibers within the muscular wall of the intestines and dura mater. These findings support the importance of skin changes in the recognition of life threatening extracutaneous tissue involvement in NSF.

Superior vena cava syndrome: role of the interventionalist.

Superior vena cava syndrome results from the obstruction of blood flow through the superior vena cava and is most often due to thoracic malignancy. However, benign etiologies are on the rise secondary to more frequent use of intravascular devices such as central venous catheters and pacemakers. Although rarely a medical emergency, the symptoms can be alarming, particularly to the patient. Traditionally, superior vena cava syndrome has been managed with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. But interventional endovascular techniques have made inroads that offer a safe, rapid, and durable response. In many cases, it may be the only reasonable treatment. Because of this, an approach to endovascular treatment of this condition must be in the armamentarium of the interventional radiologist. This review will provide the reader with an insight into the etiology, pathophysiology, and various management principles of superior vena cava syndrome. The focus will be on understanding the techniques used during various endovascular interventions, including angioplasty, stenting, and pharmacomechanical thrombolysis. Discussion will also be centred on possible complications and current evidence as well as controversies regarding these approaches.

Safety and Effectiveness of Abre Self-Expanding Venous Stent for Treatment of Superior Vena Cava Syndrome.

PURPOSE: Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is a constellation of symptoms that results from partial or complete SVC obstruction. Endovascular SVC stenting is an effective treatment for SVC syndrome with rapid clinical efficacy and low risk of complications. In this study, we assess the technical and clinical outcomes of a cohort of patients with SVC syndrome treated with the AbreTM self-expanding venous stent (Medtronic, Inc, Minneapolis, MN, USA). METHODS: An institutional database was used to retrospectively identify patients with SVC syndrome treated with AbreTM venous self-expanding stent placement between 2021-2023. Patient demographic data, technical outcomes, treatment effectiveness, and adverse events were obtained from the electronic medical record. Nineteen patients (mean age 58.6) were included in the study. Thirteen interventions were performed for malignant compression of the SVC, 5 for central venous catheter-related SVC stenosis, and 1 for HD fistula-related SVC stenosis refractory to angioplasty. RESULTS: Primary patency was achieved in 93% of patients (17/19). Two patients (7%) required re-intervention with thrombolysis and angioplasty within 30 days post-stenting. Mean duration of clinical and imaging follow-up were 228.7 ± 52.7 and 258.7 ± 62.1 days, respectively. All patients with clinical follow-up experienced significant improvement in clinical symptoms post-intervention. No stent related complications were identified post-intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of SVC syndrome with the AbreTM self-expanding venous stent has high rates of technical and clinical success. No complications related to stent placement were identified in this study.

Results of additional pulsatile pulmonary blood flow with bidirectional glenn cavopulmonary anastomosis: positive effect on main pulmonary artery growth and less need for fontan conversion.

BACKGROUND: Additional antegrade pulsatile pulmonary blood flow obtained by leaving the main pulmonary artery patent during bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt has been shown to give additional benefits to the bidirectional Glenn cavopulmonary anastomosis. We retrospectively evaluated our 20-patient pulsatile Glenn series in order to find out whether these salutary effects were valid or not. METHODS: Between June 2007 and November 2011, 20 patients (11 girls and 9 boys) with single-ventricle physiology underwent bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis. The additional source of blood flow was through the unligated main pulmonary artery in all patients. A retrospective review of our surgical experience was performed focusing on the role of additional pulmonary flow. Medical records and perioperational and postoperative follow-up data including clinical outcomes were retrospectively retrieved and analyzed. RESULTS: Two patients died in the early postoperative period. One patient died in the follow-up period. Mean follow-up time was 23.9 ± 15.7 months. No superior vena cava syndrome and no increase in pulmonary vascular resistance were observed. Improvement of partial oxygen pressure after pulsatile Glenn has been shown in all patients (P = .00). At a mean interval of 22.9 months, main pulmonary artery size continued to increase after pulsatile Glenn cavopulmonary anastomosis (P = .028). Only 1 patient was converted to Fontan type circulation after pulsatile Glenn cavopulmonary anastomosis. CONCLUSIONS: The pulsatile cavopulmonary shunt is a useful procedure in the early and intermediate term management of patients with a functional univentricular heart. It improves partial oxygen pressure and the impact of pulsatility on the main pulmonary artery.

[Syndrome of vena cava superior in the injured persons with traumatic instability of a sternocostal skeleton as a consequence of polytrauma].

There were analyzed 8 clinical observations of treatment of syndrome of vena cava superior in the injured persons in traumatic instability of a sternocostal skeleton. Peculiarities of course of traumatic process, concerning the trauma severity objective prove, were established.