Interrupted inferior vena cava syndrome discovered incidentally after minimally invasive mitral valve repair in a 31-year-old female patient: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Femoral cannulation is a technique used in minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) for accessing the heart through the femoral artery and vein. However, the presence of an interruption in the inferior vena cava (IVC) can pose challenges during the procedure. Understanding the patient's venous anatomy is crucial to ensure successful cannulation. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present the case of a 31-year-old female patient scheduled for minimally invasive mitral valve repair. During the procedure, femoral vein cannulation was unsuccessful. Subsequent diagnostic Computed Tomography (CT) revealed an interrupted IVC with azygos continuation. DISCUSSION: The interruption of the IVC can make cannulation through the femoral vein difficult or impossible due to the absence of the femoral vein or the presence of a collateral, necessitating alternative approaches. Preoperative imaging, such as CT, plays a significant role in identifying IVC interruptions and guiding surgical planning. CONCLUSION: Our case highlights the challenges associated with IVC interruptions during femoral cannulation in MICS. Preoperative imaging is essential for identifying anatomical variations and determining the most appropriate cannulation approach.