[The removal of renal carcinoma thrombus extending to the right atrium by means of extracorporeal circulation: report of a case].

A case of renal cell carcinoma with a tumor thrombus extending to the right atrium was reported. A 70-year-old woman was admitted with a diagnosis of right renal tumor which had been detected on a routine abdominal ultrasonography. MRI revealed a tumor thrombus extending into the right atrium through the inferior vena cava. A transesophageal echocardiogram confirmed that the tumor extended into the right atrium, and was not adherent to the inferior vena cava and the atrium. Right nephrectomy and removal of the tumor thrombus were performed using extracorporeal circulation. Temporary occlusion of portal venous and hepatic arterial inflow was effective in reducing blood loss. She has been doing well, and there has been no evidence of recurrence during 18 month postoperatively.