PMC3370830_01
Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography showing the large-sized thrombus (arrows). Four-chamber view in the left and superior vena cava seen in the right atrial view in the right.
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An echocardiogram on postoperative day 70 revealed stenosis of the SVC due to large thrombi (Fig. 1).
Transcatheter balloon dilation of the superior vena cava (SVC). Note that the lumen of the SVC remained irregular after the procedure, indicating incomplete relief of the stenosis.
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Balloon dilation for the SVC stenosis performed on postoperative day 80 (Fig. 2) only temporarily and partially reduced the chylous drainage.
Stent implantation in the superior vena cava. Angiographic defects due to thrombi-induced stenosis (indicated by arrows in the left panel) were completely resolved after the stent implantation (right).
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SVC (Express LD 8 mm x27 mm) and innominate vein (Express LD 7 mm x17 mm) on postoperative day 102 (Fig. 3). Stent implantation dramatically reduced the chylous drainage from 40 ml  kg-1  d-1 to 3.5 ml  kg-1  d-1 (averaged during the 5 days before and after the procedure).