Obstruction of the inferior vena cava following bicaval orthotopic heart transplantation: a case series.

Eur Heart J Case Rep

Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.

Published: February 2021

Background: Inferior vena cava (IVC) obstruction is a rare complication of orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) and is unique to bicaval surgical technique. The clinical significance, diagnosis, complications, and management of post-operative IVC anastomotic obstruction have not been adequately described.

Case Summary: Two patients with end-stage heart failure presented for bicaval OHT. Post-operative course was complicated with shock refractory to fluid resuscitation and inotropic/vasopressor support. Obstruction at the IVC-right atrial (RA) anastomosis was diagnosed on transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE), prompting emergent reoperation. In both cases, a large donor Eustachian valve was found to be restricting flow across the IVC-RA anastomosis. Resection of the valve resulted in relief of obstruction across the anastomosis and subsequent improvement in haemodynamics and clinical outcome.

Discussion: Presumably rare, we present two cases of IVC obstruction post-bicaval OHT. Inferior vena cava obstruction is an under-recognized cause of refractory hypotension and shock in the post-operative setting. Prompt recognition using TOE is crucial for immediate surgical correction and prevention of multi-organ failure. Obstruction can be caused by a thickened Eustachian valve caught in the suture line at the IVC anastomosis, which would require surgical resection.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7954254PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ehjcr/ytab046DOI Listing

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