Guide To Treating Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

Blood Thinners

Blood thinners may be indicated as a treatment for superior vena cava syndrome if the restriction is caused by interior blockage as opposed to exterior pressure. In recent years, as more patients have been undergoing procedures such as the installation of pacemakers and intravenous catheters, clotting has increased as a factor in this condition. Fortunately, clotting is a very treatable source of the syndrome.

Depending on the nature and size of the clot, a course of blood thinners may be the primary treatment or may simply be an initial treatment in preparation for the placement of a stent or, in some cases, bypass surgery. It is also possible that the intravenous device that created the issue may need to be removed. In addition, thrombolytic drugs may be used as a medical means to resolve the clot.

Cancer Treatment

An incredibly common cause of superior vena cava syndrome is a tumor growing in the lung or lymph nodes near the vein. The superior vena cava has fairly thin walls and low interior pressure. As the tumor grows, it begins to press on the blood vessel from the outside, constricting the blood flow within. In this case, the main course of action is to treat the symptoms of superior vena cava syndrome while the proper cancer treatment is used to address the malignancy.

If the tumor responds to a treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation and begins to shrink, there will naturally be less pressure on the blood vessel. The easing of symptoms may be a sign the treatment is effective. Unfortunately, the prognosis for cancer patients with superior vena cava syndrome is not good, as the syndrome may indicate a tumor of significant size.