TREATMENT OF SUPERIOR VENA CAVAL OCCLUSION BY ARTERIAL GRAFT

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Abstract
Occlusion of the superior vena cava produces alarming symptoms. The venous engorgement causes ruddy cyanosis and turgor of the face, neck, arms, and upper thorax. Cerebral anoxia resulting from stasis of the cerebral circulation brings on headache, dizziness, and syncope. All these have become known as the superior vena caval syndrome. Relief of this distressing and disabling condition has long been sought, but hitherto, with a few exceptions, surgical attempts to alleviate it have been futile or have given only temporary relief.1The use of an arterial graft to reestablish superior vena caval blood flow is reported here. Several months have elapsed since operation, and its success in relieving the condition suggests that a satisfactory method is available for treatment of this circulatory disturbance. REPORT OF A CASE A 26-year-old laborer was admitted to the hospital on Sept. 11, 1953. Three years previously he had had a severe respiratory

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