title: Superior vena cava syndrome caused by chronic hemodialysis catheters: autologous reconstruction with a pericardial tube graft.
abstract: Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome caused by long-term use of indwelling catheters is an infrequent but increasingly common complication. Because collateralization often is sufficient, surgical treatment rarely is indicated. We present a case of a patient with severe symptomatic SVC syndrome as a result of the long-term use of indwelling hemodialysis catheters. The SVC was reconstructed with a pericardial tube graft. Magnetic resonance angiography performed 13 months after the operation showed patency of the graft. The patient continues to be free of symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Fla 32224, USA.
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Seelig
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Oldenburg
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Klingler
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Odell
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D010496:Pericardium / Q000601:surgery; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013479:Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*