Prosthetic azygo-atrial bypass for palliation of superior vena cava syndrome

Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2012 Apr;41(4):e56-8. doi: 10.1093/ejcts/ezr289. Epub 2012 Jan 26.

Abstract

We report a case of locally advanced excavated non-small cell lung cancer with superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome that underwent four cycles of induction chemotherapy. Due to early treatment failure and the impossibility applying radical radiotherapy, a decision was made to perform surgery. The patient underwent right intrapericardial pneumonectomy with en-bloc resection of the SVC, azygos vein and mediastinal lymph nodes. Prosthetic azygo-atrial bypass was then performed. The patient enjoys one year progression-free survival with patent graft and symptomatic relief of SVC syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Azygos Vein / diagnostic imaging
  • Azygos Vein / surgery*
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / methods*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / surgery*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heart Atria / surgery
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Palliative Care / methods
  • Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / diagnostic imaging
  • Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / surgery*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed