Innominate vein occlusion by the fabric of covered stent during transcatheter closure of sinus venosus defects - Causes, management, and outcome.

Transcatheter sinus venosus defect (SVD) closure with covered stents is emerging as an alternative to surgery. An adequate anchor zone in the superior vena cava is mandatory for the stability of the covered stent to prevent caudal embolization. There is a potential risk of innominate vein occlusion by the fabric of the covered stent in patients with a very short superior caval vein. Three among a total of 105 patients who underwent SVD closure at our institution developed innominate vein occlusion. Predisposing anatomical factors, identification and management of occluded innominate vein, and follow-up outcomes are discussed.