Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in segmental obstruction of the hepatic inferior vena cava: long-term results.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was performed in 8 patients with segmental obstruction of the hepatic inferior vena cava. Using Grüntzig balloon catheters, canalization and dilatation were initially successful in all 8 patients without any complications. In long-term observation of 12-48 months, recurrence of obstruction was confirmed in 5 patients. These were recanalized easily by repeat PTA. Long-term patency was obtained in 3 patients in whom the lumen was opened to 13 mm or more in diameter as seen in lateral views of the vena cavogram.