Occlusion of Both Caval Veins by an Endovascular Occluder

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for redo mitral/tricuspidal surgery is going to increase, offering good results for early and late mortality and morbidity. In a case of redo surgery through a right thoracotomy (RT), when tricuspid surgery is planned, the superior (SVC) and inferior caval veins (IVC) are usually isolated and snared in order to prevent air embolism and significant blood regurgitation. We describe our experience in eight redo patients, operated for combined mitral/tricuspid or isolated tricuspid surgery, where the endovascular occlusion of the SVC and IVC was obtained by means of an endovascular occluder (Equalizer). (Heart, Lung and Circulation 2012;21:275-277) (C) 2012 Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons (ANZSCTS) and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.