title: Orthotopic heart transplantation in patients with persistent left superior vena cava and agenesis of left brachiocephalic vein.
abstract: Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is an infrequent abnormality. Anatomical variations can be unexpectedly identified during cardiac procedures. Modifications of surgical techniques become a must during these operations, especially during orthotopic heart transplantation. We present two cases of patients with PLSVC and discuss the anatomy, embryology, diagnosis, and modifications in transplant techniques.
authors.affiliation: Florida Advanced Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Tampa General Hospital, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA.
authors.forename: Raiane
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.forename: Cristiano
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Faber
authors.forename: Christiano
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Caldeira
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016121:Brachiocephalic Veins / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D018376:Cardiovascular Abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000601:surgery*; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D014683:Vena Cava, Superior / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging