**1. Introduction**

126 Special Topics in Cardiac Surgery

[97] Walther T, Schuler G, Borger MA, Kempfert J, Seeburger J, Ruckert R, Ender J, Linke A,

replacement. Eur Heart J 2010;31;1398-1403.

Scholz M, Falk V1, Mohr FW. Transapical aortic valve implantation in 100 consecutive patients: comparison to propensity-matched conventional aortic valve

> Venous occlusive disease encompasses a variety of clinical entities that range the spectrum from being catastrophic and life threatening, such as massive pulmonary embolism, to disease states that may have an occult presentation, such as inferior vena cava occlusion. Other examples of veno-occlusive disease states include deep venous thrombosis and right atrial masses. When venous occlusion is characterized by an overwhelming volume of offending material, clinical therapy may be a significant challenge. This chapter examines the historical background of therapy directed at venous occlusion, and outlines a simplified technique for addressing the occurrence of major undesirable intravascular material.
