Reconstruction of superior vena cava syndrome due to benign disease using superficial femoral vein.

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome due to benign disease requires prompt and durable treatment because affected patients frequently have long life expectancies. While conservative management with head elevation and anticoagulation are first-line treatments, refractory symptoms may warrant intervention. The two main invasive treatments are percutaneous endovascular repair and open surgical reconstruction. Both have demonstrated efficacy over the mid term, but surgical reconstruction is the only method with proved patency over the long term. This report documents a case of a 26-year-old woman with SVC syndrome secondary to long-term indwelling central venous catheterization. SVC bypass was performed using the superficial femoral vein, and near-complete resolution of symptoms occurred within 1 week. Superficial femoral vein is a versatile conduit for SVC reconstruction and a useful alternative to spiral saphenous vein grafts, although mid- and long-term patency rates must be further studied. Copyright 2010. Published by Elsevier Inc.