Management of Severe Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

Authors

• Navneet Garcha, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine Medical Student
• Patrick Thrasher, Corewell Health East Resident
• Roy Soto, Corewell Health East

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-17-2026

Abstract

We present a case of a 58-year-old female, with a history of severe superior vena cava syndrome in the setting of metastatic stage IV breast cancer, who developed cardiopulmonary arrest on the hospital floor. Her SVC syndrome caused severe venous congestion, contributing to rapid clinical deterioration. During resuscitation, endotracheal intubation was unsuccessful due to upper airway bleeding, severe neck edema, and a rigid neck from prior radiation. After multiple attempts at endotracheal intubation failed, the airway was ultimately secured with a laryngeal mask airway. With this case, we will discuss the pathophysiology and management of SVC syndrome, including its impact on airway stabilization.

Comments

American Society of Anesthesiologists, The Anesthesiology Meeting, October 16-20, 2026, San Diego, CA

Recommended Citation

Garcha N, Thrasher P, Soto R. Management of severe superior vena cava syndrome. Presented at: American Society of Anesthesiologists, The Anesthesiology Meeting; 2026 Oct 17; San Diego, CA. Available from: https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/21448/presentation/8307