Severe obstruction of the superior vena cava caused by tumor invasion. Recanalization using a PTFE-covered Z stent

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino). 2002 Apr;43(2):287-90.

Abstract

Bare stents are commonly used for the treatment of malignant vena cava stenoses. However, the therapeutic effect of treatment using bare stents for cases with intraluminal tumor invasion is not satisfactory. We report a case with severe obstruction of the superior vena cava caused by tumor invasion of mediastinal lymph node metastases from colon cancer, which was successfully treated by the recanalization of superior vena cava using a polytetrafluoroethylene-covered Z stent. The covered stent could not be fully expanded at first, and re-obstruction developed at the stented site due to thrombus formation soon after stenting. So, the additional balloon dilatation made the stent expend fully on another day of stenting. After the balloon dilatation blood flow improved immediately and the clinical symptoms associated with the superior vena cava obstruction resolved. Thereafter no symptomatic recurrence has been observed in 12 months of follow-up period.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Angioplasty, Balloon*
  • Colonic Neoplasms / complications*
  • Colonic Neoplasms / surgery
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lymphatic Metastasis*
  • Middle Aged
  • Phlebography
  • Polytetrafluoroethylene
  • Stents*
  • Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / diagnostic imaging
  • Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / etiology*
  • Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / surgery*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Polytetrafluoroethylene