Stent implantation for post-Mustard systemic venous obstruction

In this paper, we report on the use of stents in the treatment of late-onset post-Mustard systemic venous obstruction in three patients with clinical signs of obstructive caval syndrome. After unsuccessful balloon dilation, Palmaz-Schatz stents were implanted at the veno-atrial junction. Further dilation has been achieved using high-pressure balloons. Vessel diameter increased from 4.4±1.8 to 13±1.7 mm (P≪0.05) and the trans-stenotic pressure gradient dropped from 8±6 to 0 mmHg (P≪0.01), with clinical improvement. After 26±4 months of non-invasive follow-up, no signs of recurrent stenosis were observed. Stent implantation is effective in the treatment of systemic venous obstruction after Mustard operation.