Superior Vena Cava Reconstruction in Patients on Hemodialysis

The treatment objective for patients with SVC syndrome secondary to both malignant and benign etiologies is to reduce the elevated central venous pressures.1 However, the strategies are contingent upon the underlying disease process. Thus the management of SVC syndrome ranges from medical or supportive care to surgical bypass,3 and it is important for physicians to understand the varied treatment modalities of this potentially life-threatening disease.17 Fortunately, the overwhelming majority of patients with SVC syndrome secondary to benign causes develop a physiologic compensation for the obstruction that can be treated with anticoagulation and endovascular modalities. Intervention for symptomatic relief may not be required.1 An endovascular approach is the current standard of care to relieve SVC obstruction due to malignancy to obtain prompt relief of the rapidly emerging symptoms and improve quality of life,3 keeping in mind the short life expectancy of these patients. The role of endovascular therapy in SVC syndrome of nonmalignant etiology is undecided because the long-term durability of this treatment method remains to be assessed.