Transvenous instrumental dilatation for obstruction of the hepatic portion of the inferior vena cava.

In this report, we shall describe a new nonoperative method of treatment for membranous obstruction of the hepatic protion of the inferior vena cava. A specially designed instrument similar to a Tubbs' dilator was inserted through the peripheral vein and advanced to the portion of obstruction along the previously placed Fogarty catheter under fluoroscopic control. The fracture of obstruction was successfully performed in two patients.