[Accessory left superior vena cava].

Abstract

The authors conducted contrast study of the position of the cavacatheter in all patients treated in the period of 12 months in the thoracic surgery department and the anesthesiology-resuscitation department who required long-term intensive therapy. In 61 of these patients the catheter was introduced through the left subclavian vein. An accessory left superior vena cava (ALSVC) which drained through the coronary sinus into the right atrium was found in 3 patients (4.9%). Study of the anatomical features of this venous anomaly led to the conclusion that prolonged infusion therapy through an ALSVC is undesirable.