Eshtaya Ehab, Legare Jean-Francois, Sullivan John A, Friesen Camille L Hancock
Division of Cardiac Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
J Card Surg. 2008 Nov-Dec;23(6):736-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8191.2008.00655.x.
Great mediastinal veins may be reconstructed using autologous, synthetic, or allograft conduits. Autologous conduits have been found superior to other conduit options. The superficial femoral vein (SFV) offers excellent early patency, minimal lower limb morbidity, and ease of harvest without accessory suture lines. Although rarely used, the SFV provides an acceptable alternative for conduit in large vein reconstructions.
Two recent cases using SFV for great mediastinal vein reconstruction were reviewed and operative technique of vein harvest detailed.
This is the first report of successful reconstruction of a left superior vena cava using SFV conduit. Both superior vena cava (SVC) reconstructions reported were perfectly patent at intermediate term follow-up (20 and 14 months) as determined by computed tomography angiogram or magnetic resonance imaging.
Successful and durable reconstruction of the SVC or a persistent left subclavian vein is possible with minimal morbidity using the SFV.
