Superior vena cava syndrome

Abstract

bstruction of the superior vena cava (SVC) is a common complication of thoracic malignancy and of bronchogenic cancer in particular. Although the condition was first described in 1757, little progress had been made in the treatment of these patients until the first report of surgical reconstruction in 1951. However, over the past decade there has been a remarkable evolution in the successful management of this disease, in large measure as a result of the refinement of endovascular techniques, such as stent placement and thrombolysis. © 2006 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc.