Successful extraction of intracardiac tumor thrombus of renal carcinoma.

Successful management of a patient with an intracardiac tumor thrombus of renal carcinoma is described. Important considerations in the management include precise localization of the upper limits of the tumor thrombus preoperatively, early ligation of the renal artery, control of the circulation through the inferior vena cava by temporary occlusion of the vena cava below the renal veins, the left renal vein and the hepatic circulation, and a team approach, using the expertise of the urologist and the cardiac surgeon, as well as cardiopulmonary bypass.