A new nitinol stent for use in superior vena cava syndrome. Initial clinical experience

The aim of the study was to assess the early clinical experience with the Zilver Vena stent in treating patients with malignant superior vena cava syndrome.

Demographic, procedural, and follow-up data of 12 patients (seven women; mean age 69 years) treated for superior vena cava syndrome with in all 21 Zilver Vena stents between March 2012 and October 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. All cavographies and contrast enhanced CT related to the treatment and during follow-up were evaluated and the patients had clinical follow-up until dead. They were all in terminal state at the time of stent deployment.

All patients had superior vena cava obstruction and clinical superior vena cava syndrome caused by malignant expansive mediastinal disease (eight patients non-small cell lung cancer and four small cell lung cancer). The technical success with deployment of the stents in the intended position was 75%. Good clinical effect with resolution of superior vena cava syndrome was achieved in 11 of the 12 patients (92%).

The Zilver Vena stent appeared to be safe, easy to deploy, and showed good clinical outcome. The high radial force of the stent might be of advantage in these patients with expanding masses around the superior vena cava.