Clinical implications of left superior vena cava persistence in candidates for pacemaker or cardioverter-defibrillator implantation

Abstract

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.