PURPOSE: We present an Australian perspective on the use of flank incision as a surgical strategy in the management of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with vena cava thrombus. METHOD: A retrospective analysis of all patients who had a flank incision for RCC with caval thrombus performed at our tertiary centre, from June 1997 to June 2011 was performed. The following parameters were studied: demograp...

The velocity of flow and pressure in the venae cavae of four normal conscious subjects was studied. Velocity was measured with a catheter-tip electromagnetic transducer. The effects of respiration, Valsalva and Miiller maneuvers, coughing, and exercise were studied. Caval blood velocities during breath holding showed marked cardiac pulsations, being maximal at the time of ventricular systole an...

Hematologists are often asked to treat patients with venous thromboembolic disease. Although anticoagulation remains the primary therapy for venous thromboembolism, vena caval filters are an important alternative when anticoagulants are contraindicated. To assess the evidence supporting the utility of these devices, a comprehensive review of the English language literature was performed. Except...