Transatrial stenting for central venous obstruction caused by cardiac tumors in two dogs

This study presents transatrial stenting as a palliative treatment for central venous obstruction in dogs with cardiac tumors. Two dogs presented with lethargy and respiratory distress. On diagnostic imaging, a large cardiac tumor with central venous obstruction was identified in both dogs. One dog showed pleural effusion, plethoric caudal vena cava (CdVC), hepatic congestion, and ascites. The other dog had cervical swelling and pleural effusion. Transatrial stenting was performed in the cranial vena cava, right atrium, and CdVC for the relief of caval and atrial compression due to cardiac tumors. Clinical improvement was observed post-procedure, despite thrombus formation within the stent in the second case. Endovascular transatrial stenting is a promising palliative treatment for venous return obstruction caused by cardiac tumors, effectively alleviating clinical symptoms and providing a viable management option.