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Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Stenosis of the Inferior Vena Cava: A Murine Model of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: December 22, 2017
[A superior vena cava syndrome due to a surgical retractor]
J I Fernández-Liesa1, R Calderón, I Fidalgo
1Departamento de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del dolor, Hospital García Orcoyen, Estella, Navarra. jiferlie@mixmail.com
Abstract:
A 56-year-old male diagnosed of epidermoid carcinoma of the right lung (T4 N0 M0, stage IIIb) is described. He had earlier received chemotherapy and radiotherapy and was scheduled for removal of the right lung. During surgery the need to resect tumor infiltration of the right atrium became evident. During weaning from by-pass sudden deterioration of hemodynamics occurred with poor response to volume and inotropic drugs. Superior vena cava syndrome due to traction of the innominate trunk from a surgical retractor was diagnosed; the crisis resolved when the retractor was withdrawn. We discuss the pathophysiology of this clinical picture and relevant intraoperative aspects.
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