Pacemaker Placement in Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a rare disorder which is asymptomatic and hence is usually discovered while performing interventions through the left subclavian vein. We present a case of a 78-year-old male who was undergoing elective placement of a permanent pacemaker for tachycardia – bradycardia syndrome with post-conversion pauses of up to nine seconds. After achieving access through the left subclavian vein the wire kept on going on the left side of the chest instead of crossing the midline to the right side. The wire was removed and contrast venography was done, PLSVC with dilated coronary sinus emptying into the right atrium was confirmed. There was some difficulty in passing the lead to the right ventricle even with the acute curve in the stylet. The sheath size was increased and a longer deflectable sheath was used and with the tip of the lead anteriorly the right ventricle was cannulated and the lead was affixed. There were good sensing and pacing parameters. Post procedure chest x-ray was done and the patient was discharged without any complications.