Rare vein condition successfully treated in young UAE resident using minimally invasive technique

Al Etihad

04-08-2025

4 Aug 2025 20:11
A. SREENIAVSA REDDY (ABU DHABI)A young UAE resident suffering from Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVCS), a rare and potentially life-threatening vein condition, has made a full recovery following a minimally invasive vascular procedure that restored normal blood flow.The patient, Muhammad Bilal, a 27-year-old Pakistani national, had endured symptoms of SVCS since 2020. These included progressive swelling on his face and neck, shortness of breath, severe headaches, and visibly engorged veins across his upper body.SVCS is a serious condition caused by a blockage in the superior vena cava, the major vein responsible for returning blood from the upper body to the heart. The condition is most commonly linked to cancers such as lung cancer or lymphoma, accounting for around 70% of cases. Another 30% are attributed to long-term use of medical devices like catheters or pacemakers, while 3–5% arise from genetic clotting disorders. In extremely rare cases, such as Bilal's, the cause remains unknown and is classified as idiopathic SVCS.Doctors diagnosed Bilal's case using advanced imaging scans, which revealed a complete blockage in the vein. A minimally invasive procedure was performed, involving balloon angioplasty and the insertion of a self-expanding stent to reopen the vein and restore blood flow.'The vein was completely blocked, and the body had formed alternate routes to keep blood flowing,' said Dr Roshan Rodney S, Specialist Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon at Aster Hospital Mankhool. 'With the support of our anaesthesia, cardiology, and ICU teams, we were able to restore blood flow seamlessly. The patient began to show significant symptom relief within hours of the procedure.'By the next day, Bilal's facial swelling had visibly reduced, and the prominent veins on his neck and abdomen had disappeared. Follow-up scans confirmed that the stent was functioning well and that his recovery was progressing steadily.'I had been suffering for years… the swelling is gone, the pain has stopped, and I feel like I can live normally again,' said Bilal.
Speaking to Aletihad , Dr Rodney S said, 'Open surgery with reconstruction or bypass grafting of the SVC is another option for SVC syndrome, but it is less favourable nowadays due to surgical complexity, longer operative times, high morbidity and mortality, and lengthier recovery.' Minimally invasive approaches, particularly endovascular stenting, have become a first-line treatment for SVC syndrome due to their safety, effectiveness, and ability to provide rapid symptom relief while allowing for further diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. 'This shift reflects advancements in technology, a better understanding of the disease, and a focus on patient-centred care,' he added.
The entire procedure took around two to three hours. 'The procedure's duration can vary based on the complexity of the case, such as the extent of the obstruction,' Dr Rodney S explained.