Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava Draining Into the Left Atrium Found During Bypass Operation

Ann Thorac Surg. 2017 Feb;103(2):e161-e162. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2016.06.106.

Abstract

We report the case of a 72-year-old woman who underwent urgent coronary bypass grafting (CABG). Intraoperatively a persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) draining into the left atrium was detected. Because of the resulting right-to-left shunt volume even after complete drainage and collapse of the right atrium, the heart was still ejecting in the absence of significant aortic insufficiency. Thorough examination revealed a PLSVC draining into the left atrium. After ligation of the PLSVC, the CABG could be performed as planned.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Chest Pain / diagnosis
  • Chest Pain / etiology
  • Coronary Artery Bypass / methods*
  • Coronary Stenosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Coronary Stenosis / surgery*
  • Drainage
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal / methods
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heart Atria / abnormalities*
  • Humans
  • Incidental Findings
  • Intraoperative Complications / diagnosis
  • Intraoperative Complications / surgery
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vascular Malformations / diagnostic imaging
  • Vascular Malformations / surgery*
  • Vena Cava, Superior / abnormalities*
  • Vena Cava, Superior / surgery