CLINICS IN INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY - SUPERIOR VENA-CAVAL OBSTRUCTIONMANAGED BY THE GIANTURCO Z STENT

Twenty patients with superior vena caval obstruction (SVCO) due to mal ignancy were managed using the Gianturco Z Stent. Three patients had a djunctive thrombolysis. The primary clinical success was 90% (18/20 pa tients). Thirteen patients were free of SVCO to death or follow-up wit hout re-intervention (primary patency = 65%). Three patients had re-in tervention for recurrent symptoms, two successfully (secondary long-te rm patency = 75%). Stenting of the SVC is a valuable, under-used techn ique for the symptomatic relief of superior vena caval obstruction.