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A persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a commonly observed anatomical anomaly that is frequently detected incidentally via computed tomography (CT) imaging. However, the occurrence of a PLSVC with a right superior vena cava (RSVC) defect, also known as "isolated PLSVC," is a much rarer anomaly. This peculiar malformation can lead to sinoatrial dysfunction, thus necessitating pacemaker implantation, which requires delicate manipulation due to various anatomical complexities. We herein present a case of a sick sinus syndrome with this rare anomaly, which required special consideration when performing pacemaker lead placement.

The relevance of the study is conditioned by the problem of implantation of an artificial cardiac pacemaker in atrial fibrillation in patients with tachy-brady syndrome according to the standard scheme related to the presence of a congenital anomaly, such as persistent left superior vena cava. The purpose of the study is to develop an operative method of implantation of a permanent two-chamber pacemaker in patients with tachy-brady syndrome with concomitant pathology of the persistent left superior vena cava. Research methods are the generally accepted clinical and instrumental examination of the patient, including taking anamnesis and a standard cardiological examination, electrocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography, plain radiography, angiocardiographic examination, and multispiral computed tomography, which, along with a general analysis, confirm the presence of tachy-brady syndrome with atrial fibrillation and congenital anomaly in the form of persistent left superior vena cava in patients. The study presents a developed model of surgical implantation of a permanent two-chamber pacemaker to stabilise the condition of patients with atrial fibrillation related to tachy-brady syndrome with concomitant persistent left superior vena cava; the standard implantation mechanism included the introduction of a radiopaque agent to clarify the anatomical structure of the vascular bed, further, its entry from the subclavian veins into the persistent left superior vena cava and into the cavity of the right atrium through the venous coronary sinus was detected, and then a gradual introduction of an endocardial right ventricular electrode was performed into the subclavian vein through the tricuspid valve along with its further positioning in the apex of the right ventricle; therefore, a permanent two-chamber pacemaker can be successfully installed, creating conditions for restoring sinus rhythm in this group of patients, which is of practical importance for the field of medicine (Tab. 3, Fig. 4, Ref. 20). Keywords: atrial fibrillation, persistent left superior vena cava, sick sinus syndrome, pacemaker implantation, cardiac surgery.

The persistent left superior vena cava is the most common venous anomaly in the systemic drainage in adults and tends to be asymptomatic. The persistent left superior vena cava causes rhythm disorders such as tachyarrhythmias or bradyarrhythmias. We report a case of persistent left superior vena cava diagnosed in a 53-year-old female patient admitted due to an acute coronary syndrome associated with unstable bradycardia. A transvenous peacemaker impressed the left atrium; therefore, a transthoracic echocardiogram was required to diagnose persistent left superior vena cava. The patient needed management with percutaneous intervention; she had an adequate evolution and subsequent discharge from the intensive care unit.

Background: Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a rare congenital vascular anomaly. Permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) in patients with PLSVC can be challenging because of the venous anomalies. We reported a case series of patients with PLSVC who underwent PPI with double active fixation leads., Methods: From January 2012 to July 2016, 9 patients (three male and six females, mean age 68 ± 11 years) with PLSVC who received a dual-chamber pacemaker with double active fixation leads were enrolled retrospectively in this observational study. The indications for pacemaker implantation were symptomatic third-degree atrioventricular block in one and sick sinus syndrome in eight patients., Results: PPI were implanted successfully in all 9 patients. Successful positioning of the ventricular leads at the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) septum with a "C" shaped stylet was achieved in 7 patients (77.8%). In the remaining two cases, the ventricular leads were placed in the right ventricular apex and the inferior free wall of the sub-tricuspid annulus. The atrial leads were placed at the lateral wall of the right atrium in all patients. Procedure time and fluoroscopy time were 85.3 ± 11.3 min and 4.5 ± 1.1 min respectively. During a mean follow-up of 4 years, no complications were observed and pacing parameters did not change significantly., Conclusion: PPI through PLSVC may be technically feasible, safe, and effective. Double active fixation leads may be standard for patients with PLSVC and most of the ventricular leads could be placed at the RVOT septum.

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is one of the commonest venous anomalies of thoracic venous system. These cases usually have normal right sided superior vena cava (SVC). Patients with PLSVC are often asymptomatic hence, it is diagnosed as an incidental finding during procedures like central venous line placement or pacemaker implantation. We report here a case that was taken to catheterization laboratory for pacemaker implantation. Due to PLSVC, we struggled to advance pacing lead into right ventricular apex. We thought of right subclavian vein access but contrast medium injection revealed absent right sided SVC. So procedure was abandoned and finally epicardial placement of the pacing lead was done through subxiphoid laparotomy incision next morning. This case report highlights a rare variant of PLSVC with absent right sided SVC in structurally normal heart and emphasizes the need of pre-procedure assessment of venous anatomy.

Purpose: Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is rare and often asymptomatic, which might cause difficulties in the implantation of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of PLSVC and to study the clinical characteristics and significance of PLSVC in patients with CIED implantation., Methods: Thirty-three patients with PLSVC were collected from 7047 CIED recipients over recent 10 years in our center. These 33 patients were divided into three groups: PLSVC in the absence of RSVC, with a pacemaker implantation (group A, n = 7); double superior vena cava (DSVC), having both PLSVC and RSVC, with a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation (group B, n = 20); DSVC with a cardiac resynchronization therapy/cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT/CRT-D) implantation (group C, n = 6). The clinical characteristics, pacing parameters, and complications were collected and compared among three groups., Results: The prevalence of PLSVC in our patients implanting CIEDs in the recent 10 years was 0.47%. Coronary sinus diameter, right atrium lead type (active or passive), right atrium lead location (right atrium appendage or lateral wall), right ventricle lead location (right ventricular apex or right ventricular outflow tract), and procedure duration were found to be significantly different among three groups, while the incidence of complications and pacing parameters was not significantly different among three groups during long-term follow-up., Conclusions: Although the presence of PLSVC made the CIED implantation more challenging and might increase the complications related to the procedure, the pacing parameters were not likely to be affected during long-term follow-up.

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) draining into coronary sinus is typically detected incidentally during transcatheter interventions using left subclavian venous approach. In our experience, we have encountered this anomaly on a few occasions and in all these cases we successfully implanted leads in the right ventricle (RV) by shaping the stylet into a "U-shaped" or "pigtail-shaped" curve. Herein, we report a case of an adult male who underwent successful dual-chamber pacemaker implantation via PLSVC through left axillary venous approach. In this case, we were unable to deliver the lead into RV using aforementioned stylets. As an innovation, we used a "three-dimensional alpha curve"-shaped stylet that facilitated an easy entry of pacing lead into the RV., (© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Dextrocardia, or right-lying heart, is an uncommon congenital heart disease in which the apex of the heart is located on the right side of chest. Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVA) is a rare venous anomaly that is often associated with the abnormalities of cardiac transduction system. A case with combination of dextrocardia, persistent left superior vena cava, and sick sinus syndrome has not been reported., Methods: We used different techniques including cardiac color Doppler echocardiography, 24-hour Holter monitoring, and abdominal ultrasound to make a diagnosis and treated the patient by implanting a VVI pacemaker., Results: A 50-year-old woman was admitted with a syncope. Angiography of the right atrium and superior vena cava, echocardiography, electrocardiography, and abdominal ultrasound revealed the presence of the combination of mirror image dextrocardia, PLSVA, and sick sinus syndrome. The complex structural anomalies presented great technical challenges for interventional treatments. After thorough examination and understanding of the structural anatomy and anomalies of the superior and inferior vena cava and cardiac chambers, we successfully treated this patient by implanting a VVI pacemaker., Conclusion: Physicians must be aware of the complexity of the morphological and anatomical structures of dextrocardia accompanying PLSVC. Given that the diagnosis of situs inversus was performed at a relatively advanced age, it is therefore important to make such a correct diagnosis followed by appropriate therapeutic intervention., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Introduction: The vast majority of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) recipients require transvenous lead insertion, which may be hindered by the presence of venous anomalies. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and variations of persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) and to conduct subsequent outpatient follow-up in terms of device function and the clinical condition of the recipients using data from CIED placement procedures conducted over a 12-year period., Methods: The study population included patients undergoing first-time transvenous implantation of cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). The presence of PLSVC was determined based on intra-procedure venography. Outpatient follow-up involved assessments of patient condition, radiological imaging, and CIED function., Results: Of a total of 4708 CIED recipients, PLSVC was detected in eight patients (mean age 65.5±13.9); five of them had double superior vena cava (DSVC), including three cases in which the vessels were bridged with a brachiocephalic vein (BCV). Three patients presented PLSVC associated with the absence of the right superior vena cava (RSVC), a very rare anomaly. Seven patients remain under observation, for a total of 78.4±48.4 months of follow-up., Conclusions: The rate of venous anomalies in the form of PLSVC detected in the evaluated population was 0.17%. These PLSVC cases were asymptomatic, which hindered their earlier detection. The presence of these anomalies made the procedures more challenging for the operator and increased the perioperative complication rates; however, neither patient condition nor CIED function was affected based on the long-term outpatient follow-up., (Copyright © 2016 Hellenic Cardiological Society. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Difficulty was encountered with the insertion of a right atrial pacing lead via the left jugular vein during lead and pacemaker implantation in a clinically normal goat as part of an ongoing rapid atrial pacing - induced atrial fibrillation research project. Fluoroscopic visualization of an abnormal lead advancement path prompted angiographic assessment which revealed a persistent left cranial vena cava (PLCVC) and prominent coronary sinus communicating with the right atrium. Angiography facilitated successful advancement and securing of the pacing lead into the right side of the interatrial septum. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiography (MRI/MRA) allowed further characterization of this rare venous anomaly. Even though PLCVC has been reported once in a goat, to the authors' knowledge this is the first report to include MRI/MRA characterization of PLCVC and prominent coronary sinus with successful cardiac pacemaker implantation using the PLCVC., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: The persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a relatively common con-genital venous return anomaly. It may have serious clinical implications especially in case of pacemaker/cardioverter-defibrillator implantation, venous catheter insertion, radio-frequency ablation and cardiac surgery. There is also some evidence that PLSVC may be accompanied by arrhythmias. The aim of this report is to present the effectiveness and safety of cardiac pacing via PLSVC, clinical outcome and appearance of arrhythmias in a long-term follow-up., Methods and Results: Four cases of pacing electrodes implanted via PLSVC in patients without any other cardiac congenital heart anomalies were observed for at least 6 years. There was 1 patient with AAI, 2 patients with VVI, and 1 with DDD pacemaker. Atrial electrodes were implanted on the free right atrial wall, 2 ventricular electrodes were implanted in right ventricular outflow tract, 1 in postero-lateral cardiac vein. During the mean 110 months of observation, pacing was efficient. One patient underwent an upgrade from AAI to biatrial pac-ing due to progressive interatrial conduction delay during the follow-up. No other intervention or pacemaker related events were noticed except for battery replacement., Conclusions: The presence of PSVC may complicate implantation, but it does not influence the long-term follow-up of pacing parameters.

A persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a rare and usually unnoticed congenital anomaly. However, clinicians must be conscious of its existence as a PLSVC can be associated with other anomalies of cardiovenous morphology with significant clinical implications for transvenous procedures. We report a case of a double superior vena cava with absent innominate vein found during catheterization for cardiac resynchronization pacemaker therapy implantation (CRT-P). We also describe a technique used for successful positioning of the leads into the right atrium and right ventricle.

We present a case of a 21-year-old man after Senning operation admitted to our hospital for transvenous implantation of a dual chamber pacemaker. The presence of persistent left superior vena cava enabled us to implant the desired dual chamber pacemaker. It is an extremely unusual situation when two pacemaker leads utilise two different routes to the heart: superior caval vein - atrial baffle - ventricle and persistent left superior caval vein - atrium.

We report a case of a complicated vascular access secondary to systemic venous defects, which have not been previously reported. Evaluation revealed an atypical coursing of a subclavian vein-persistent superior vena caval system into the hemizygos-azygos system and ultimately into the right (proper) superior vena cava. The clinical and surgical considerations of such an anomaly are discussed therein. We look at embryological origins of such a merger and share our experience in troubleshooting through the anomaly.

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) results from abnormal development of the sinus venosus in the early stages of fetal life. Though there are numerous reports of successful permanent pacemaker implants in such cases, placement of permanent pacing leads in such cases is technically challenging, often requiring shaping of stylets and considerable lead maneuvering. We describe an interesting case wherein a temporary pacemaker lead after entering the PLSVC followed an unusual fluoroscopic course with demonstrable pacing in right ventricle (RV), right atrium (RA) and the left ventricle (LV). Interventional cardiologists and intensivists performing pacing procedures need to be aware that one may rarely encounter such interesting radiographic and electrocardiographic patterns in these cases with anomalous systemic venous drainage., (Copyright © 2012 Cardiological Society of India. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Persistent left superior vena cava is a rare congenital abnormality. Cases of persistent left superior vena cava with an absent right superior vena cava or the presence of other congenital cardiovascular abnormalities have been rarely described. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of a patient with persistent left superior vena cava, absent right superior vena cava and tako-tsubo syndrome observed during an attempt of pacemaker implantation. Such a condition was confirmed by means of contrast echocardiography and coronary angiography.

In adults the oblique vein of Marshall is usually absent or very thin, and it is hard to be found. In this case report we describe a case of persistence observed during pacemaker implantation.

Introduction: Persistent left superior vena cava, a rare congenital abnormality, can complicate placement of pacemaker leads through the subclavian vein. A left-sided approach is usually preferable in such cases., Case Report: We reported a case in which we began a single-chamber pacemaker implantation procedure via a right subclavian approach (because of scarring beneath the left clavicle) and then discovered intraoperatively that the patient had a persistent left superior vena cava. After a few attempts, we succeeded in placing the head of the electrode in the septum, near the top of the right ventricle, and the rest of the procedure was completed without complication., Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of pacemaker implantation, with passive electrode, through a persistent left superior vena cava via the right subclavian vein. This case demonstrates that such an approach, when necessary, can be used successfully.

Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava (PLSVC) is the most common thoracic venous anomaly encountered during device implantation. The most common problems related to the unusual anatomic access to the heart are reaching a convenient pacing site and ensuring stable lead placement. This report describes left sided implantation of RA, RV and LV leads in a patient with a PLSVC who was referred for cardiac resynchronizaiton therapy. The literature regarding the interventional approach for device implantation in patients with PLSVC is reviewed.

Introduction: Persistent left superior vena cava represents a congenital vascular defect of the venous system, which often makes standard 58 cm endocardial lead placement impossible., Case Outline: A right chamber approach by the left cephalic vein was tried. This was impossible because standard endocardial lead (SJM Isoflex 5 1646T, bipolar lead, 58 cm in length, body diameter 7 French) was too short for this patient. A unipolar lead for coronary sinus (Medtronic ATTEIN 4193-88), 88 cm in length, body diameter 4 French, was placed in the posterior branch of the coronary sinus. With such positioning of the lead, a VVI pacemaker pacing was enabled. The operation lasted for 48 minutes, and the time of total X-ray exposure was 9.6 minutes. The values that were achieved were: threshold 0.3 V, pulse width 0.37 ms, maximum R 22.55 mV. Ten months after the implantation, the values were: threshold 0.3 V, maximum R 28.8 mV., Conclusion: Persistent left superior vena cava in some cases makes standard 58 cm endocardial lead placement impossible due to its joining to the right atrium over the dilated coronary sinus. Coronary sinus lead placement in the posterior or lateral coronary sinus branch represents an acceptable alternative approach for pacemaker lead placement in these patients.

The persistence of the left superior vena cava is a rare venous anomaly and usually does not produce hemodynamic disturbances. Left sided cardiac device implantation has increased the awareness of this rare anomaly. In most cases, left superior vena cava connects to the right heart via coronary sinus. We describe a rare case of successful permanent pacemaker implantation via left superior vena cava-accessory hemiazygos-hemiazygos-inferior vena caval communication.

Persistence of a left superior vena cava (LSVC) has been reported in 0.3%-0.4% of candidates for pacemaker (PM) or cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical implications of LSVC persistence for proper device performance. We observed the prevalence of LSVC during a 15-year period. A total of 2077 consecutive patients underwent PM implantation over a 15-year period: 7 had persistent LSVCs (0.34%). Among 599 patients undergoing ICD implantation, 4 LSVCs (0.66%) were observed. Overall LSVC persistence was found in 11/2676 (0.41%) patients. The right superior vena cava was absent in 4/11 (36%) patients. The leads were placed from the left subclavian approach in 5/7 PM patients: 2 received an elective right sided approach due to physician preference. All ICD patients had the device placed left pectoral with a single-coil lead: defibrillation therapy was effective in the long term in all but one patient, who required the addition of a subcutaneous array. Left superior vena cava persistence in PM/ICD patients is similar to the general population (0.41% in our study). The left-sided implant may be skill-demanding during lead placement; however, this task can be accomplished in the majority of cases, with a reliable outcome in the short term and appropriate device performance at follow-up.

A persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) in combination with an absent right superior vena cava (RSVC) is a rare congenital cardiovascular abnormality which is usually found by chance during pacemaker (PM) implantation. In this case we describe a PM implantation using right cephalic approach through PLSVC and coronary sinus (CS), with lead fixation in right atrium and a posterolateral branch of the CS.

We describe successful implantation of a permanent pacemaker via the right subclavian vein in a 28-year-old man with operated transposition of the great arteries where the superior vena cava is completely disconnected from the systemic venous atrium following a previous Glenn procedure.

A 78-year-old man was referred to our hospital with syncope and palpitation. A Holter electrocardiography (ECG) revealed sick sinus syndrome (SSS), and an enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) scan showed persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) and absent right superior vena cava. Myocardial leads and a pacemaker implantation were peformed through left anterior thoracotomy approach. There were only 10 reports of pacemaker implantation in a patient with SSS complicated with PLSVC and absent right superior vena cava in Japan. Open thoracotomy approach was thought to be usuful for these patients.

Absent right superior vena cava with persistent left superior vena cava in normal situs is an exceedingly rare congenital anomaly. In such cases, pacemaker implantation (PMI) is very difficult or even impossible. We report the case of a patient with sick sinus syndrome in whom PMI was easily performed via the left superior vena cava by using a steerable stylet.

Persistent left superior vena cava (SVC) is an uncommon condition, usually encountered during cannulation of the left subclavian vein. We describe a patient who required a cardiac device upgrade to cardiac resynchronization implantable cardioverter defibrillator for biventricular failure. The presence of a persistent left SVC proved to be a blessing in disguise in this patient as he had since developed total occlusion of the left subclavian-innominate system.

A patient with a sporadic heart-hand syndrome, which includes thumb hypoplasia, septum primum atrial septal defect, and cleft mitral valve is described. During attempted placement of a pacemaker lead, persistence of left superior and inferior vena cava was found in addition to the right-sided caval veins. This corresponds to persistence of left-sided supracardinal vein present during fetal development.