An experimental study of resection and replacement of the superior vena cava

Abstract

A review of the literature on the treatment of obstruction of the superior vena cava and its replacement is presented. Experiments were performed on fourteen dogs using nylon and teflon prostheses for replacement. Edwards-Tapp nylon prostheses were implanted in seven dogs, two of which had undergone partial occlusion of the superior vena cava. Teflon tubes were used for replacement of the superior vena cava in the remaining seven animals, one of which had undergone partial ligation of the superior vena cava and transaction of the azygos vein. The teflon prostheses showed excellent results in seven dogs followed up to six months. Superior vena caval prostheses of nylon in the other seven dogs were less successful as shown by necropsy with narrowing in all the prostheses. Only one animal in this group, however, had complete occlusion by thrombus, and in the remaining six there was no clinical evidence of obstruction, and venous pressures remained normal postoperatively.