Replacement of the superior vena cava with polytetrafluoroethylene grafts combined with resection of mediastinal-pulmonary malignant tumors. Report of thirteen cases.

From 1979 to 1986, we replaced the superior vena cava with polytetrafluoroethylene grafts in 13 patients to enable resection of malignant mediastinal or pulmonary tumors. Five prostheses could be interposed between a tumor-free proximal superior vena cava and right atrium while eight required separate innominate anastomoses (Y grafts constructed intraoperatively). There were no deaths. Phlebograms obtained 15 to 30 days after the operation demonstrated patency in 12 of 13 patients. Long-term (average 24 months) patency was evident in eight. Five patients are alive at 1, 3, 40, 49, and 60 months, a cumulative survival rate of 27% at 3 years.