[Superior vena cava occlusion. Demonstration of surgical therapeutic possibilities].

Surgical problems in treatment of superior vena cava syndrome are discussed by our population of 15 patients and the literature. Nine patients which suffered from caval thrombosis were managed by thrombectomy. In four cases superior vena cava was bypassed or replaced by PTFE (Gore-Tex) tubular grafts successfully. Whereas autologous vein as spiral composite graft or complete venous conduit might be preferred by reason of excellent longtime patency rates, the every time available PTFE vascular prosthesis appears to be an efficient synthetic material for replacement of superior vena cava.