Wallstent endovascular prosthesis for the treatment of superior vena cava syndrome.

Objective: We assessed the clinical outcome of self-expanding Wallstent endovascular prosthesis in the treatment of superior vena cava syndrome due to malignant tumors.Methods: Eleven patients with malignant superior vena cava syndrome were treated by percutaneous implantation of the self-expanding Wallstent endovascular prosthesis across the stricture site. Patency was defined by the absence of symptoms and signs of superior vena cava syndrome.Results: Ten of the 11 experienced complete symptomatic relief within 3 days of stent implantation. The remaining 1 did not benefit, and required a second procedure, dying of heart failure 5 days after stent implantation. Ten patients remain symptomatically free of superior vena cava syndrome to date or until death in follow-up lasting 17 to 227 days.Conclusion: Implantation of the self-expanding Wallstent endovascular prosthesis for malignant superior vena cava syndrome provides rapid symptomatic relief and improves the patient’s quality of life.