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Stenting for superior vena cava obstruction in pediatric heart transplant recipients.

Authors :
Sachdeva R
Seib PM
Burns SA
Fontenot EE
Frazier EA
Source :
Catheterization and cardiovascular interventions : official journal of the Society for Cardiac Angiography & Interventions [Catheter Cardiovasc Interv] 2007 Nov 15; Vol. 70 (6), pp. 888-92.
Publication Year :
2007

Abstract

Background: Superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction can be a complication in heart transplant recipients. We reviewed our experience with relief of SVC obstruction using endovascular stents in pediatric heart transplant recipients.<br />Methods: Study cohort included pediatric heart transplant recipients, followed at our institution, who required endovascular stent placement for SVC obstruction. Data retrieved retrospectively included cardiac diagnosis, age, and weight at transplant, surgical technique of transplant (bicaval vs. biatrial anastomosis), previous cardiovascular surgeries, presenting symptoms, date of SVC stent placement, and need for reintervention.<br />Results: From March 1990 to June 2006, 5.1% (7/138) pediatric heart transplant recipients who were followed at our institution had SVC obstruction requiring stent placement. Median age and weight at transplant was 9 months and 8.7 kg, respectively. Four patients previously had a cavopulmonary anastomosis. Transplant surgery involved bicaval anastomosis in 6 and biatrial in 1. Of the 7 patients included in the study, 2 were asymptomatic, 2 were symptomatic (1 with chylothorax, 1 with headache), and 3 were identified at the time of transplant surgery. Median time from transplant surgery to SVC stent placement was 2 months (0-14 months). Three patients required reintervention as redilation of SVC stent (n = 1) or additional SVC stent (n = 2). In one patient the stent migrated to the pulmonary artery but was retrieved.<br />Conclusion: SVC obstruction can be an important complication following heart transplantation, especially in infants with previous cavopulmonary anastomosis, undergoing heart transplant using bicaval technique. SVC obstruction can be safely and effectively treated using endovascular stents.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1522-1946
Volume :
70
Issue :
6
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Catheterization and cardiovascular interventions : official journal of the Society for Cardiac Angiography & Interventions
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
17932887
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1002/ccd.21296