Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2009; 57(4): 232-233
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1038728
Short Communications

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Patients with Absent Right but Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava

A. Kortner1 , A. Keyser1 , C. Schmid1
  • 1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

received October 9, 2007

Publication Date:
20 May 2009 (online)

Abstract

Abnormalities of the vena cava system are usually asymptomatic and are found incidentally during pacemaker implantation or catherization. We report a case of dilative cardiomyopathy requiring cardiac resynchronization defibrillator therapy (CRT‐D). During the operation, a persistent left superior vena cava with an absent right vena cava was discovered. During open chest surgery, we implanted a CRT‐D with epicardial patches and pacing leads, which is a simple technique for safe and reliable biventricular defibrillator therapy in these patients.

References

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Dr. MD Ariane Kortner

University Hospital Regensburg
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11

93042 Regensburg

Germany

Phone: + 49 (0) 94 19 44 98 04

Fax: + 49 (0) 94 19 44 98 02

Email: ariane.kortner@klinik.uni-regensburg.de

Email: Dr_Ariane.Kortner@t-online.de

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