A Novel Technique of Placing Desfibrillator Leads in Patients with Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava

Abstract

Persistent left superior vena cava is the most common thoracic venous anomaly. It is usually asymptomatic, but it can make implanting intracardiac devices difficult.

We present a novel technique to facilitate desfibrillator lead implantation in patients with persistent left superior vena cava and the absence of the right superior vena cava. We used a fixed-curve Selectra 3D 65-42 cm sheath (Biotronik), orienting it toward the tricuspid valve (TV) by rotating it counter-clockwise. During follow-up, the electrodes remained stable.

Our technique was safe, simple, and feasible for patients with this complex venous anatomy.