Segmental obstruction of the hepatic inferior vena cava treated by transluminal angioplasty.

Five patients with segmental obstruction of the hepatic inferior vena cava associated with Budd-Chiari syndrome were successfully treated by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty using Grüntzig balloon catheters. Three or four balloons were used simultaneously to achieve sufficient dilatation. Long-term patency was obtained in all 5 cases without serious complications. This procedure may be applicable to other portions of the venous system as well.