Gianturco expandable wire stents in the treatment of superior vena cava syndrome recurring after maximum-tolerance radiation.

Two patients with superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) recurring after maximum-tolerance radiation were treated by placing a Gianturco expandable wire stent (GEWS) into the obstructed superior vena cava. The SVCS symptoms rapidly disappeared and good short-term (6 months) palliation was achieved. GEWS placement is a promising therapeutic alternative for palliation of SVCS symptoms when other therapeutic modes cannot be used or are not effective.