title: Nonmalignant superior vena cava syndrome: pathophysiology and management.
abstract: Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome occurs following obstruction either from external compression or internal thrombosis or scarring. In the past, treatment was limited to medical therapy or surgical bypass but now percutaneous revascularization presents a viable therapeutic option. We present our experience in the percutaneous therapy of patients with nonmalignant SVC syndrome and review the condition with regard to its pathophysiology and management.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Saint Vincent Hospital at Worcester Medical Center, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: Branislav
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Schifferdecker
authors.forename: James A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Shaw
authors.forename: Thomas C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Piemonte
authors.forename: Andrew C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Eisenhauer
mesh_terms: D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods*; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015607:Stents; D013479:Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome