Prosthetic azygo-atrial bypass for palliation of superior vena cava syndrome

Abstract

We report a case of locally advanced excavated non-small cell lung cancer with superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome that underwent four cycles of induction chemotherapy. Due to early treatment failure and the impossibility applying radical radiotherapy, a decision was made to perform surgery. The patient underwent right intrapericardial pneumonectomy with en-bloc resection of the SVC, azygos vein and mediastinal lymph nodes. Prosthetic azygo-atrial bypass was then performed. The patient enjoys one year progression-free survival with patent graft and symptomatic relief of SVC syndrome. © The Author 2012. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.