Hybrid Treatment of Superior Vena Cava Syndrome in a Child

Cardiac tamponade after superior vena cava stenting

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome results from the blockage of venous blood flow through the SVC, which is caused by either internal obstruction (eg, thrombus) or external compression (eg, thoracic malignancy and infection).1 While thrombus-related SVC syndrome is rising in prevalence, malignancy still accounts for the majority of cases.1 Regardless of cause, SVC syndrome is characterised by facial swelling and plethora, headache and dyspnoea.2 Although venous stenting has become standard of care for treatment of acute SVC syndrome, stent placement presents multiple risks including SVC rupture and cardiac tamponade. In these cases, a high index of suspicion and prompt action are required to avoid an often fatal outcome. Here, we present the case of a patient with cardiac tamponade and subsequent cardiac arrest after SVC stent placement.

Conservative management of iatrogenic superior vena cava (SVC) perforation after attempted dialysis catheter placement: case report and literature review

A 68-year-old male with end-stage renal disease, congestive heart failure, and facial and bilateral arm swelling was referred for placement of a tunneled dialysis catheter. Distal left subclavian vein access was obtained. The procedure was complicated by iatrogenic perforation of the superior vena cava (SVC). This resulted in rapid development of a right-sided hemothorax and hemodynamic instability. A right-sided thoracostomy tube was placed to drain the pleural cavity. Extrapericardial perforation of the SVC can be managed conservatively in select cases without endovascular balloon dilatation and/stent graft deployment or surgical repair provided the antegrade blood flow is maintained via patent collateral circulation.

Transcatheter recanalization of totally occluded proximal pulmonary arteries and major systemic veins in patients with congenital heart disease

The purpose of the present study was to assess the results and technical aspects of attempted transcatheter recanalization of occluded pulmonary arteries or major systemic veins from our center. Occluded pulmonary arteries or major systemic veins are often not considered amenable to transcatheter treatment and can be a cause of significant hemodynamic compromise for patients. The records of patients with occluded pulmonary arteries or major systemic veins who underwent cardiac catheterization from April 1997 to February 2011 were reviewed. We identified 18 patients, of whom, 9 had occluded pulmonary arteries and 9 occluded systemic veins. Recanalization was achieved in 17 of the 18 patients (94%). At a median follow-up of 35 months (range 6 months to 12 years), all vessels remained patent. The freedom from reintervention rate in the entire cohort was 61% at 6 months, 35% at 1 year, and 35% at 5 years. Freedom from an unplanned reintervention was 67% at 6 months. Procedural adverse events occurred in 2 patients. One death occurred within 24 hours of the catheterization procedure and 2 late deaths occurred, all unrelated to the procedure. In conclusion, both acute and chronic success at recanalizing the occluded pulmonary arteries and major systemic veins can be achieved using percutaneous techniques. Careful follow-up is needed, because reintervention can be necessary to maintain long-term vessel patency without stenosis.

Techniques for transcatheter recanalization of completely occluded vessels and pathways in patients with congenital heart disease

Occlusions of major vessels in patients with congenital heart disease may occur due to a variety of factors. These occlusions are often felt to be best addressed surgically; however, we and others have been successful in recanalizing most of these vessels in the catheterization laboratory. Most of these patients will require multiple procedures in the catheterization laboratory to ensure vessel patency and to facilitate vessel growth. Physicians performing the procedure should have a thorough understanding of the anatomic considerations for the intended procedure and have access to a variety of devices and equipment to optimize the result of the procedure. In this article, we review some of the technical aspects that are vital for the success of the procedure.

[Modern therapy of congenital heart defects]

Modern therapy of congenital heart defects consists of interventional and surgical procedures. The following report provides information about the most common congenital heart defects and the corresponding therapeutic options. Furthermore, the combined application of interventional and surgical procedures, so-called hybrid procedures, is described in detail as well as the latest developments in percutaneous valve replacement therapy.