Superior vena cava syndrome - Experience with endovascular stents and surgical therapy

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is a serious complication of benign and m alignant diseases. Benign causes may be increasing because of the increased use of central venous cannulation. Modern surgical therapy is durable with a few complications. Traditional treatment for SVC obstruction from malign ant causes has consisted of anticoagulation, radiation, chemotherapy, and o ccasionally surgery. Endovascular techniques present a new treatment option for these patients, and uses a combination of thrombolysis, angioplasty, a nd intravascular stents. Short-term results are excellent with relatively r apid patient recovery. Further research is needed to elucidate the long-ter m results of endovascular treatment and to find its role in benign and mali gnant disease.