Temporary extravascular shunt for reconstruction of a superior vena cava invaded by a lung tumor

Advanced central lung cancers can invade the superior vena cava (SVC). Although the indications for resection of the vessel remain controversial, it has been suggested that it increases the long-term survival of selected patients; however, little consensus has been reached regarding the optimal method of vascular reconstruction. While the SVC is often replaced during unprotected cross-clamp, the placement of a temporary venous shunt with a view to preserve the periprocedural safety and facilitate the postoperative management seems preferable. We describe an SVC reconstruction procedure using an autologous pericardial patch and placement of a temporary extravascular shunt via a lateral thoracotomy.