P96: Using Fenestrated Stent to Increase the Flow of ECMO of Superior Vena Cava Compression Syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is an obstruction of the venous return to the heart through SVC or any other significant branches. The obstruction may be external, like thoracic mass compressing the SVC, or internal, like thrombosis or tumor, which directly invades the SVC. Patients experiencing a medical emergency after being initially stabilized require treatment for SVCS, including endovenous recanalization and the implantation of an SVC stent to reduce the risk of abrupt respiratory arrest and death. This case report details a situation in which reduced outflow in a VA ECMO would substantially improve by using a fenestrated stent of SVC. Case Presentation: A 54-year-old female presented to our medical center with weight loss and solid food dysphagia for three months. Chest CT scan showed a new mediastinal mass of 10x9x8cm with minor pericardial and pleural effusions. A transbronchial biopsy was attempted; however, the patient arrested during the bronchoscopy procedure. CPR was initiated, and the ECMO team was contacted for VA ECMO cannulation, which was done through the right femoral artery cannula size 15 Fr due to the narrowing of the artery, and the left femoral vein cannula size 23 Fr. ROSC was achieved, and the patient was transferred to the ICU. During the night shift, the ECMO flow was hard to maintain with fluids. First, that was due to the small arterial cannula. However, the issue was realized with the ECMO outflow volume issue. The next day, In the hybrid operating room, a fenestrated SVC stent was placed in SVC, brachiocephalic, and internal jugular veins (Figure 1). All patient hemodynamics improved post stenting, including ECMO, flows, especially outflow. Discussion: Endovenous treatment of SVC syndrome includes percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty (PTA), stenting, and thrombolysis performed alone or in combination. Stenting is usually in the SVC rather than several locations for SVC syndrome. However, our case is unique as the primary fenestrated stent was deployed in the SVC, and additionally, brachiocephalic and IJ veins were stented through the fenestration, which relieved the SVCS. In addition, it enhanced ECMO outflow flow instantly. Conclusion: This case illustrates that stenting in SVCS is a valid therapeutic option to increase ECMO flow in this patient group.Figure 1. Image A: Fluoroscopy showing SVC stenosis. Image B: redacted view of SVC fluoroscopy Image C: Balloon angioplasty of SVC stenosis under fluoroscopy. Image D: Fenestrated stent placement in the SVC under fluoroscopy. Image E: Stent deployed Internal jugular Image F: Post stenting image showing deployed brachiocephalic Internal jugular vein through fenestrations of primary stent.