Four-year patency of PTFE grafts after replacement of the superior vena cava and the innominate veins.
We describe a simpler alternative to treating vena cava syndrome with composite spiral vein grafts. Instead, we used 2 polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts to replace the resected superior vena cava and innominate veins of a man with a malignant thymoma. Both grafts have remained patent more than 4 years after surgery, and the patient has continued asymptomatic and free of malignancy. Therefore, we recommend using PTFE grafts to replace the great veins of the thorax.
Garcia-Rinaldi
R
R
Department of Surgery, West Houston Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
Zamora
J L
JL
Torres-Salichs
M
M
Desantos
L
L
Vaughan
G D
GD