Isolated Pharmacomechanical Thrombolysis Plus Primary Stenting in a Single Procedure to Treat Acute Thrombotic Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

Catheter-directed thrombectomy with the JETi8 in the treatment of acute superior vena cava syndrome

Superior vena cava syndrome can lead to significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in acute settings. We report a case of an acute Port-a-Cath-associated thrombosis of the superior vena cava. Percutaneous catheter-directed thrombectomy was performed using the JETi8 thrombectomy device with additional angioplasty and stenting, allowing rapid flow restoration and rapid clinical recovery. Postoperative anticoagulation was initiated and pursued lifelong. This report is unique in illustrating how JETi8 thrombectomy seems to be a safe and effective therapy, allowing rapid flow restoration, rapid clinical improvement, and persistent patency at 6 months.

Kissing Stents for Superior Vena Cava Syndrome Due to Mediastinal Fibrosis

Purpose:

To report the endovascular reconstruction of the superior vena cava (SVC), innominate and internal jugular veins following stenosis due to mediastinal fibrosis.

Case Report:

A 36-year-old female with mediastinal fibrosis was referred for symptomatic SVC syndrome (SVCS). A covered stent was inserted in the SVC with 2 kissing stents in the innominate and jugular veins via anterograde right femoral vein access with sandwich technique. She exhibited near-immediate relief of debilitating symptoms. Computed tomographic scan demonstrated patent vessels at 1 year.

Conclusions:

Extensive endovascular venous reconstruction is an effective treatment for SVCS due to mediastinal fibrosis.

Superior Vena Cava Syndrome: Role of the Interventionalist

Superior vena cava syndrome results from the obstruction of blood flow through the superior vena cava and is most often due to thoracic malignancy. However, benign etiologies are on the rise secondary to more frequent use of intravascular devices such as central venous catheters and pacemakers. Although rarely a medical emergency, the symptoms can be alarming, particularly to the patient. Traditionally, superior vena cava syndrome has been managed with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. But interventional endovascular techniques have made inroads that offer a safe, rapid, and durable response. In many cases, it may be the only reasonable treatment. Because of this, an approach to endovascular treatment of this condition must be in the armamentarium of the interventional radiologist. This review will provide the reader with an insight into the etiology, pathophysiology, and various management principles of superior vena cava syndrome. The focus will be on understanding the techniques used during various endovascular interventions, including angioplasty, stenting, and pharmacomechanical thrombolysis. Discussion will also be centred on possible complications and current evidence as well as controversies regarding these approaches.

Superior vena cava syndrome in lung cancer

Summary Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) consists of various symptoms and signs due to intrinsic obstruction or extrinsic compression of the superior vena cava. The most common etiology is thoracic malignancy, with lung cancer being the leading cause (80%). It usually presents with edema of the head, neck and arms, often associated with cyanosis, plethora and distended subcutaneous vessels. The diagnosis is commonly made from physical examination and confirmed by imaging, such as CT scan. SVCS is usually not a medical emergency, but can, in rare cases, cause cardiac or airway compromise, or cerebral edema, which may require urgent interventions such as thrombectomy or endovascular stenting. In lung cancer-related SVCS, radiation and/or chemotherapy are the main treatment options, and tissue diagnosis should be obtained before the initiation of definitive treatment if SVCS is the initial presentation. Randomized controlled trials are still lacking for optimal management of SVCS.