The difficulties of recanalization in chronic superior cava vein obstruction by penetrating diagnostic catheter, PTA, and stenting: A case report

Abstract

Superior vena cava obstruction is caused by a blockage in its blood flow; one of its few causes can be device related. This case follows a patient presented with superior vena cava obstruction following a septal cardiac implant. Endovascular intervention has been associated with more rapid, complete symptom relief and lower complication rates. The use of stenting as first-line therapy has gathered popularity to become standard practice in the past 2 decades. This paper illustrates a successful recanalization with penetrating diagnostic catheter, followed with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty stenting in order to preserve the patency superior vena cava.

Keywords

• Superior vena cava obstruction
• Diagnostic catheter
• Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty
• Stenting
• Recanalization
• Thrombectomy