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Superior vena cava syndrome: relief with a modified saphenojugular bypass graft
J M Panneton1, J C Andrews, J M Hofer
1Division of Vascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn 55905, USA.
Insights
Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome can be treated with a novel saphenojugular bypass grafting technique when other methods fail. This innovative peripheral venous bypass offers durable relief for disabling SVC syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Interventional Cardiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is a serious complication often requiring revascularization.
- Standard treatments include endovascular procedures and direct surgical reconstruction.
- Patient's complex case involved failed endovascular attempts and radiation damage precluding direct surgery.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old woman presented with severe SVC syndrome due to extensive venous thrombosis after radiation therapy for lung carcinoma.
- Previous interventions, including three endovascular attempts, were unsuccessful.
- Radiation-induced skin damage prevented direct SVC reconstruction.
Findings:
- A modified peripheral venous bypass grafting procedure was successfully performed, connecting the right internal jugular vein to the femoral vein.
- The graft utilized spliced bilateral greater saphenous veins tunneled within an externally supported expanded polytetrafluoroethylene graft to prevent kinking.
- Postoperative duplex ultrasound confirmed graft patency and complete symptom resolution.
Implications:
- This saphenojugular bypass grafting technique provides a viable and effective alternative for SVC syndrome when conventional methods are not feasible.
- The technical innovation of tunneling the vein graft within a supported graft enhances durability and prevents complications.
- This approach offers prompt and lasting relief for patients with complex SVC syndrome.
Abstract:
Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is a disabling and potentially life-threatening complication. SVC revascularization can be achieved by means of endovascular or direct surgical reconstructions. In the patient on whom we report, these two options were not possible, and a peripheral venous bypass grafting procedure was done with a technical innovation. Right upper-extremity swelling developed in a 55-year-old woman after radiation therapy for lung carcinoma. A left subclavian vein Port-A-Cath induced extensive thrombosis of the left innominate, axillosubclavian, and jugular veins. She was referred to our institution with very symptomatic SVC syndrome after two failed endovascular interventions. The occlusion of both innominate veins and chronic thrombus extending into the left axillosubclavian and internal jugular veins was confirmed by means of a venogram. A third endovascular attempt failed. The presternal skin had severe radiation-induced damage precluding direct SVC reconstruction. A bypass grafting procedure from the right internal jugular to the femoral vein was performed with spliced bilateral greater saphenous veins tunneled inside an externally supported expanded polytetrafluoroethylene graft. Postoperatively, the patient had no symptoms, and graft patency was confirmed by means of duplex ultrasound scanning. A saphenojugular bypass grafting procedure can offer prompt and durable relief of SVC syndrome when endovascular or direct surgical reconstructions are not possible. This rarely used peripheral venous bypass grafting procedure was modified by tunneling the vein graft inside an externally supported polytetrafluoroethylene graft to prevent kinking or compression.