[Obstruction of the superior vena cava caused by sclerosing mediastinitis. Surgical treatment by bypass with a composite spiral venous graft].

A 68-year-old woman with obstruction of the superior vena cava due to sclerosing mediastinitis was successfully operated on. A composite spiral vein graft was interposed between the left innominate vein and the right atrium to bypass the occluded superior vena cava. The graft was made using the patient's own saphenous vein, which was divided longitudinally and sutured around a cannula in a spiral fashion. Indications to surgical intervention in patients with superior vena cava syndrome are discussed.