STENT IMPLANTATION FOR POST-MUSTARD SYSTEMIC VENOUS OBSTRUCTION

In this paper, we report on the use of stents in the treatment of late -onset post-Mustard systemic venous obstruction in three patients with clinical signs of obstructive caval syndrome. After unsuccessful ball oon dilation, Palmaz-Schatz stents were implanted at the veno-atrial j unction. Further dilation has been achieved using high-pressure balloo ns. Vessel diameter increased from 4.4 +/- 1.8 to 13 +/- 1.7 mm (P < 0 .05) and the trans-stenotic pressure gradient dropped from 8 +/- 6 to 0 mmHg (P < 0.01), with clinical improvement. After 26 +/- 4 months of non-invasive follow-up, no signs of recurrent stenosis were observed. Stent implantation is effective in the treatment of systemic venous o bstruction after Mustard operation. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.