Suprarenal vena caval occlusion. Principles of operative management.

Retrohepatic occlusion of the inferior vena cava caused by tumor complicates complete resection and not infrequently is associated with life-threatening symptoms that accelerate the lethality of the underlying malignant process. This report summarizes our experience with caval thrombectomy and reconstruction that allowed complete removal of all gross tumor in seven patients with malignant occlusion of the retrohepatic inferior vena cava. Included in this group are five patients with renal cell carcinoma and extension of tumor into the retrohepatic vena cava. Three of these patients had extension of tumor thrombus into the right atrium. A sixth patient had recurrent right adrenal cortical carcinoma with tumor invasion of the vena cava and occlusion to the right atrium. Associated hepatic vein occlusion and secondary Budd-Chiari syndrome also was successfully managed in this patient. The final patient with occlusion of the entire suprarenal vena cava required caval reconstruction after resection of a primary leiomyosarcoma of the retrohepatic portion of the vena cava. Careful planning of the operative procedure, adequate exposure, complete mobilization of the retrohepatic vena cava, and control of the hepatic venous effluent will allow patients with retrohepatic vena caval occlusions to be managed with safety and success.     

'Downhill' esophageal varices. A rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

The submucosal venous network of the esophagus is part of the collateral system that develops following superior vena caval obstruction from any cause. The direction of flow in these thin-walled, valveless veins is "downhill," towards the azygous vein or to the inferior vena cava. Bleeding from upper esophageal varices is extremely rare. This case report describes a patient with massive bleeding from upper esophageal varices secondary to superior vena caval obstruction by a malignant thyroid tumor. Total thyroidectomy relieved the obstruction, with cessation of hemorrhage and subsequent disappearance of the varices.     

Anomalous right upper lobe venous drainage

Anomalous pulmonary venous return is a rare congenital anomaly mainly involving the right lung and is often associated with congenital intracardiac malformations as atrial septal defect. We report a case of anomalous right upper lobe venous drainage resulting in two right upper lobe veins draining into the azygous vein and into the confluence between superior vena cava and azygous vein, respectively. Preoperative identification of such an aberrant venous drainage is useful for avoiding unexpected intraoperative bleeding.     

Experimental complete right heart bypass. Proposal of a new model and acute hemodynamic assessment with vasoactive drugs in dogs

A new model of complete right heart bypass was devised in dogs. All systemic venous blood was directly led to the bilateral pulmonary arteries by end-to-side superior vena cava-right pulmonary anastomosis, diverting the inferior vena caval blood to the superior vena cava with a graft, ligating the inferior vena cava at its end and the pulmonary artery at its trunk, and shunting the coronary venous return from the right-ventricle to the left atrium. Nine consecutive dogs tolerated the procedures, and acute hemodynamic characteristics and responses to vasoactive drugs were observed for 5 hours throughout the following full studies. Cardiac output ranged from 66 to 102 ml/min/kg at a central venous pressure of 15 to 26 mm Hg. Norepinephrine, isoproterenol, and phentolamine were administered with the central venous pressure maintained constant at 18 mm Hg. Isoproterenol and phentolamine increased cardiac output while reducing pulmonary and/or systemic vascular resistance, with a possible concomitant inotropic effect in the former. Norepinephrine was detrimental, causing an increase in both pulmonary and systemic vascular resistance.     

Hepatic vein to the azygous vein anastomosis for pulmonary arteriovenous fistulae.

Pulmonary arteriovenous fistulae after a cavopulmonary anastomosis have been reported to resolve after hepatic venous return is included in the pulmonary circulation. We report a case in which the hepatic veins were redirected to the pulmonary circulation by connecting them directly to the azygous continuation of the inferior vena cava that had previously been connected to the right pulmonary artery. The patient's arterial saturation of 71% increased to 92% after 6 months.     

Modified Fontan operation for a single ventricle with a nonconfluent pulmonary artery]

A 8-year-old boy with a double inlet right ventricle with a non-confluent pulmonary artery was operated on with a modified Fontan operation. He had right isomerism, right aortic arch, bilateral superior caval veins, and left-sided inferior caval vein. Hepatic veins were separately drained to the right-side atrium. Left Blalock-Taussig shunt and right central shunt operations had been previously performed. Firstly, we had reconstructed the central pulmonary artery with a 16 mm porcine pericardial roll to unify the nonconfluent pulmonary arteries. Secondly, about 2 months after the first operation, we performed a modified Fontan operation. Systemic venous return from the inferior caval vein and the hepatic veins were drained to a reconstructed pericardial roll with an intraatrial Gore-Tex graft, and bilateral superior caval veins were also anastomosed to the roll. The structure of the pulmonary arterial system is one of the most important factors to determine the outcome of a modified Fontan operation. Even if the central pulmonary artery is absent, however, a modified Fontan operation is applicable for the patient whose peripheral pulmonary arteries have enough growth.     

Giant hydronephrosis presenting as unilateral iliofemoral vein thrombosis

We report a case of left iliofemoral vein thrombosis with extension to the inferior vena cava associated with giant right hydronephrosis secondary to ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Surgery revealed marked infrarenal vena caval compression and deviation to the left side caused by the dilated right renal pelvis, with resultant kinking of the origin of the left iliac vein. It is postulated that the reduction in blood flow caused by this compression and distortion predisposed this patient to venous thrombosis.     

Complications of superior versus inferior vena cava occlusion in infants receiving central total parenteral nutrition

During a 9-year period, 204 infants younger than 12 months of age had 294 Broviac central venous hyperalimentation catheters inserted. Fifty-nine adult-size and 235 infant-size Broviac catheters were used. Catheter insertion was via the saphenous vein (267), external jugular (7), internal jugular (16), cephalic (2), and transthoracic right atrial veins (2). General anesthesia was used for all internal jugular, but for only 11 saphenous catheters. Catheter function ranged from 6 to 925 days (mean, 112 days). Forty-four infants had malabsorption syndromes, 36 had short bowel syndrome, 38 had intractable diarrhea, and 86 required nutritional support for a variety of other conditions. Fifteen of the 204 infants developed inferior (10) or superior vena caval thrombosis (2), or both (3). Thrombosis occurred in 13 of the 267 infants with saphenous catheters (4.9%), and five of the 25 with jugular or cephalic venous catheters (20.0%). Obstruction to normal catheter infusion was the first sign of caval occlusion. Transient mild leg edema (4) and prominent venous pattern over the legs (3) were present with inferior vena caval (IVC) occlusion, but no patient had renal vein obstruction or died as a direct result of this condition. Each of the two patients with superior vena caval (SVC) occlusion experienced mild to moderate edema and venous suffusion of the head and upper extremities, and one developed a pleural effusion. Each of the three infants with combined superior and inferior vena caval thrombosis died from pulmonary insufficiency within six months after SVC occlusion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Superior vena cava obstruction: a review of the literature and report of 2 cases due to benign intrathoracic tumors.

A review of the literature shows an increaseing number of cases of superior vena cava obstruction associated with malignancy and a marked decrease in the number of patients with caval obstruction of benign origin. In contrast to granulomatous diseases and aneurysms of the ascending thoracic aorta, which have decreased, the incidence of benign tumors is essentially unchanged. Clinical features of superior vena cava obstruction in relation to the anatomical site of obstruction and collateral pathways are correlated. Diagnostic approaches, including angiography and technetium scanning are usually definitive in outlining the site of obstruction. Experimental data and the numerous available techniques for surgical correction indicate that an entirely satisfactory procedure is not available for all patients. Methods include the use of venous bypass or Teflon prostheses and the addition of a small arteriovenous fistula proximally. Two new cases of superior caval obstruction due to benign tumor are reported. In 1 patient, who had intrapericardial bronchogenic cyst with fibrotic caval obstruction and thrombosis, a method for caval reconstruction while maintaining venous return to the right atrium is described. The second patient had an intrathoracic thyroid adenoma and caval obstruction without thrombosis.     

A surgical technique for correction of total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage

A technique was employed successfully for correction of total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage into the upper right superior vena cava. A J-shaped right atriotomy was performed; the posterior flap was sutured to the anterior border of a previously enlarged atrial septal defect. The right superior vena cava was divided above the site of drainage of the pulmonary veins, and its proximal opening closed with a suture. The pulmonary venous return was directed to the left atrium in this way. The right atrial-right superior vena caval continuity was then reestablished by an anastomosis between the previously opened right atrial appendage and the distal end of the right superior vena cava. Finally the remaining atriotomy was closed. The azygos vein must be ligated to avoid systemic unsaturation. For correction of anomalous pulmonary venous drainage into the azygos vein with this technique, ligature of the azygos vein must be placed distally to the site of anomalous drainage. Three patients, aged 2 months, 7 years, and 16 years, respectively, with different anatomic types of the anomaly, were successfully operated on with this procedure. Findings displayed from the postoperative hemodynamic, echocardiographic, and clinical evaluation are encouraging, after a follow-up period that ranges from 4 months to 4 years. The advantages of the repair are discussed.     

Inferior and superior vena caval blood flows during cross-clamping of the thoracic aorta in pigs

Changes in blood flow through the inferior and superior venae cavae during cross-clamping of the thoracic aorta just above the diaphragm were studied in 28 miniature pigs anesthetized with enflurane titrated to maintain systemic arterial blood pressure close to normal values. Surgical preparation included sternotomy with subsequent placement of a noncannulating electromagnetic probe around the ascending aorta and a cannulating electromagnetic probe in the transected inferior vena cava. Superior vena caval flow was calculated as the difference between aortic flow and inferior vena caval flow. Clamping of the thoracic aorta alone (n = 10) was accompanied by severe arterial hypertension, a dramatic decrease in inferior vena caval flow, and an increase in superior vena caval flow, which resulted in a moderate increase in aortic flow. Simultaneous clamping of the thoracic aorta and inferior vena cava (n = 13) was accompanied by no significant change in arterial pressure or superior vena caval flow. The oxygen content in mixed venous blood significantly (p less than 0.05) increased from 9.5 +/- 1.1 to 13.4 +/- 1.8 ml.dl-1 in animals undergoing clamping of the thoracic aorta only, but did not change significantly in animals subjected to simultaneous clamping of the aorta and inferior vena cava. The study demonstrates a substantial increase in superior vena caval flow during cross-clamping of the thoracic aorta. Further studies elucidating the mechanism of the observed changes are required.     

Caval agenesis with a hypoplastic left kidney in a patient with trauma on warfarin for deep vein thrombosis

Congenital anomalies of the inferior vena cava (IVC) are rare, but recognized, causing deep venous thrombosis. We present a case of a 50-year-old patient with trauma who suffered an intracranial hemorrhage secondary to a fall while on anticoagulation for deep vein thromboses. Venous return from the lower extremities was determined to be through dilated lumbar venous collaterals into the azygous and hemiazygous systems. A second interesting anatomic finding was a hypoplastic left kidney.     

Anomalous dual drainage of the right pulmonary veins in a patient with cor triatriatum: report of a case without scimitar sign

The majority of patients with partial anomalous drainage of pulmonary veins are asymptomatic during infancy and childhood. Patients with significant left-to-right shunt develop symptoms and benefit from early corrective surgery. Anomalous pulmonary veins draining into inferior vena cava is very rare and frequently encountered in association with scimitar syndrome. The purpose of this case report is to describe a non-scimitar patient with cor triatriatum who had anomalous dual drainage of right pulmonary veins into inferior vena cava/left atrium and anomalous connection of persistent left superior vena cava with a common pulmonary venous chamber. The patient underwent an operation with redirection of anomalous pulmonary venous drainage into left atrium and ligation of persistent left superior vena cava.     

Cardiovascular effects of intraperitoneal insufflation with carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide in the dog.

Cardiovascular changes caused by intraperitoneal insufflation with CO2 or N2O were measured in 15 mongrel dogs. Moderate progressive increases in intra-abdominal pressure (to 40 mm Hg) with either gas produced increases in mean arterial, right atrial, pleural, and femoral-vein pressures. Cardiac output and inferior vena caval flow were momentarily increased following the commencement of insufflation. However, both flows decreased precipitously as insufflation pressure was increased. At an intra-abdominal pressure of 40 mm Hg cardiac output and inferior vena caval flow were reduced more than 60 per cent in most cases. Peripheral resistance increased by approximately 200 per cent. Upon sudden release of abdominal pressure cardiac output and inferior vana caval flow increased but then returned to pre-insufflation values within seconds. Directly measured right atrial pressure increased with increasing insufflation pressure, but calculated transmural right atrial pressure decreased with the increase in intra-abdominal pressure. Insufflation with CO2 produced significant increases in PaCO2. However, cardiostimulatory effects due to elevated blood CO2 levels were not seen. The data from this study indicate that intraperitoneal insufflation produces serious hemodynamic alterations which are manifested by low cardiac output and elevated total peripheral resistance. In addition, directly measured right atrial pressure cannot be used clinically as an indicator of venous return to the heart since it reflects a composite of pleural and intra-abdominal insufflation pressure. (Key words: Anesthetics, gases, nitrous oxide; Carbon dioxide, intraperitoneal; Surgery, intraperitoneal insufflation; Heart, function, intraperitoneal insufflation.).     

Inferior vena caval involvement by renal cell carcinoma. Use of venovenous bypass as adjunct during resection

Venovenous bypass allows the safe conduct of operation during resection of renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena caval involvement by allowing venous return when the inferior vena cava is clamped, thus preventing hypotension. It obviates the heparin required for full cardiopulmonary bypass and therefore decreases postoperative bleeding. A blood retrieval system decreases the volume of banked blood required. A Moretz clip placed early on the intrapericardial inferior vena cava allows adequate venous return and prevents a massive pulmonary tumor embolism.     

Bypass of superior vena cava. Fifteen years' experience with spiral vein graft for obstruction of superior vena cava caused by benign disease

Nine patients had operations for obstruction of the superior vena cava with superior vena caval syndrome caused by benign disease. Three patients had fibrosing mediastinitis, four had fibrosing mediastinitis with caseous necrosis, one had thrombosis of the superior vena cava around a pacemaker electrode, and one had spontaneous thrombosis of the superior vena cava. Patients ranged in age from 25 to 68 years. All bypass operations were performed with a composite spiral vein graft constructed from the patient's own saphenous vein, split longitudinally and wrapped around a stent in spiral fashion. The edges of the vein were sutured together to form a large conduit ranging in diameter from 9.5 to 15.0 mm. Six grafts were from the left innominate vein and three grafts were from the internal jugular vein. The grafts were placed into the right atrial appendage in all except one case, in which the graft was to the distal superior vena cava. Follow-up extends from 1 to 15 years. One patient required reoperation at 4 days for thrombosis at the innominate vein-graft anastomosis. Resection of the anastomosis and reconstruction of the graft rendered the patient symptom free. Two grafts closed during the first year after operation. One patient had advancing fibrosing mediastinitis, and a second bypass graft from the external jugular veins remain patent. Another patient had recurrence of spontaneous venous thrombosis. Thus seven of nine grafts remain patent for up to nearly 15 years and all but one patient is free of superior vena caval syndrome. These data show that bypass of the obstructed superior vena cava with a spiral vein graft relieves superior vena caval syndrome and demonstrate long-term patency of the graft.     

A case of membranous obstruction of inferior vena cava at the hepatic associated with hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis

A case of inferior vena cava obstruction at the hepatic portion associated hepatocellular carcinoma with and liver cirrhosis is reported, which was treated with lateral segmentectomy of the liver after transcatheter angioplasty. A 36-year-old male, who had noticed venous dilatation in the abdominal wall and legs from his childhood, visited a doctor complaining of right upper quadrate pain and was diagnosed liver cirrhosis. One year later ultrasonography revealed a liver tumor, which was diagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma by ultrasonically guided aspiration cytology. Inferior and superior vena cavography revealed complete membranous obstruction of inferior vena cava at the hepatic portion with marked collateral circulation through azygos, hemiazygos and phrenic veins. The caval pressure difference between above and below the obstruction was 16.5 cm H2O. The membranous obstruction was perforated and dilated by transluminal angioplasty using Dotter's balloon catheter. The obstructive segment of inferior vena cava changed into 8mm in diameter after the second angioplasty, and the caval pressure difference between above and below the stenosis decreased to 10 cm H2O. Lateral segmentectomy of the liver was performed. Histopathologic diagnosis was clear cell type hepatocellular carcinoma with liver cirrhosis. Marked postoperative liver damage was observed and transcatheter caval dilatation was performed again. The pressure of inferior vena cava below the stenosis decreased to 8 cm H2O. One year and 8 months after the operation, the patient is healthy without recurrence of cancer.     

Iliac-mesenteric-atrial shunt procedure for Budd-Chiari syndrome complicated by inferior vena caval thrombosis.

A 33-year-old woman had a diagnosis of idiopathic Budd-Chiari syndrome complicated by inferior vena caval occlusion. Conservative medical therapy failed to control the symptoms of both portal hypertension and vena caval stasis. Therefore, a prosthetic shunt was placed from the right common iliac vein to the right atrium with a side-arm to the superior mesenteric vein. She exhibited almost complete relief of symptoms and the graft was documented to be patent two weeks postoperatively. In many instances aggressive surgical therapy may help these patients who, in the past, would have been relegated to symptomatic therapy.     

Acute jugular engorgement in liver transplantation]

A 56-year-old patient with chronic liver failure underwent liver transplantation; a Denver shunt had been placed 6 months previously. Following an initially uneventful operative course, during fashioning of the proximal caval anastomosis in the anhepatic phase, the patient developed very marked jugular engorgement. The central venous pressure rose to 45 mmHg and this lasted some 15 min. With the opening of the venous anastomosis and placement of the liver in its anatomical site, the central venous pressure returned to normal values once again. It can be concluded that during fashioning of the anastomosis, both the right atrium and distal superior vena cava were obstructed. While normally not haemodynamically significant, in this case, however, the superior vena cava became more narrow by the routinely placed venous lines and the Denver shunt. This in turn, gave rise to this particular clinical manifestation.     

Perioperative management with epidural anesthesia for a parturient with superior vena caval obstruction

Perioperative management of patients with superior vena cava obstruction presents an anesthetic challenge because of severe cardiopulmonary compromise. This is particularly important in the parturient because of increased upper airway edema and inferior vena caval compression. We describe the management of a parturient who presented at 34 wk of gestation with signs and symptoms of superior vena cava obstruction from metastatic breast cancer. The patient was scheduled for a cesarean delivery followed by chemotherapy, as other therapies were deemed excessively risky because of the anatomic characteristics of the large mediastinal mass. This report describes the successful use of regional anesthesia in this setting and discusses the relevant anesthetic and perioperative management considerations for this complex scenario. IMPLICATIONS: Perioperative management of patients with superior vena caval obstruction presents an anesthetic challenge because of the severe cardiopulmonary compromise. This case report describes a parturient who presented for cesarean delivery with superior vena caval obstruction resulting from metastasis from breast cancer.