title: Malignant obstruction of the superior vena cava and its palliation: report of four cases.
abstract: Four cases of obstruction of the superior vena cava caused by inoperable bronchogenic carcinoma are presented in which the signs and symptoms were disabling. Palliation was achieved by placing a 10 mm. Dacron prosthetic bypass graft between the left innominate vein and the right atrial appendage, resulting in prompt relief. All patients were given warfarin for anticoagulation and subsequently deep x-ray therapy and diuretics were added. There was no operative or hospital death or morbidity. Two of the patients died of distant metastases at 14 and 6 months, respectively, postoperatively. The other two are alive and well at 11 and 5 months after the operation. Venous obstruction has not recurred to date in any of the four patients. A relevant review of the literature has been made.
mesh_terms: D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D001984:Bronchial Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000601:surgery; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D010166:Palliative Care; D013899:Thoracic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D014683:Vena Cava, Superior / Q000601:surgery*