Tumor-related obstruction of the inferior vena cava extending into the right heart — a plea for surgery in deep hypothermic circulatory arrest

8 patients, 39-63 years old, with tumor-related obstruction of the inferior vena cava (IVC) extending into the right atrium (n=5) and right ventricle (n=3). 5 patients had renal cell carcinoma, 3 had sarcomatous disease.

Median sternotomy and laparotomy with hypothermic circulatory arrest (17.0-20.5 degrees C; 23-46 min) or sequential clamping under moderate hypothermia and extracorporeal circulation for IVC disobliteration, resection, and reconstruction.

Early mortality and late survivalhard clinical