Surgical Reconstruction of a Suprahepatic Inferior Vena Cava Aneurysm Using a Tubularized Bovine Pericardial Patch
Abstract
Inferior vena cava (IVC) aneurysms are rare clinical entities with fewer than 80 cases reported in the literature. Type I aneurysms involving the suprahepatic IVC present significant surgical challenges due to their proximity to the right atrium and the frequent necessity of cardiopulmonary bypass. We present the case of a 68-year-old female with a symptomatic, enlarging 6-cm type I IVC aneurysm. The patient underwent successful surgical resection and reconstruction using an interposition graft fashioned from a tubularized bovine pericardial patch under cardiopulmonary bypass. The postoperative course was unremarkable, and 6-month surveillance imaging confirmed graft patency without recurrence. This report highlights the feasibility of surgical intervention for symptomatic type I IVC aneurysms and describes a reconstructive technique using biologic material.
© 2026 Laasya Achanta, Bright Benfor, Dylan E. Brooks, Michael J. Reardon, Alan B. Lumsden, published by Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center
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