Surgical management of superior vena cava syndrome after failed endovascular stenting

Abstract

The superior vena cava syndrome encompasses a constellation of symptoms and signs resulting from obstruction of the superior vena cava. We report a successful surgical management after failed endovascular stenting for superior vena cava syndrome, caused by a postradiation fibrosis after conventional radiotherapy for breast cancer. We emphasize the rarity of this uncommon surgical procedure and the bailout procedure for failed angioplasty and intravascular stenting. Key points of superior vena cava syndrome and its management are discussed. © 2012 The Author 2012. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.