Orthotopic heart transplantation for dilated cardiomyopathy in a patient with persistent left superior vena cava and atresia of the right superior vena cava.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the surgical procedure of an orthotopic heart transplantation in a recipient with persistent left superior vena cava and atresia of right superior vena cava.

EXPERIMENTAL

DESIGN

Case report.

PATIENT: A 43 year old male with persistent left superior vena cava, atresia of the right superior vena cava and dilated cardiomyopathy.

INTERVENTIONS: Orthotopic heart transplantation with selective cannulation of the left superior vena cava via recipient coronary sinus for cardiopulmonary bypass.

RESULTS

No perioperative complications, satisfactory postoperative course. No rejection episodes at 7 months postoperative with non invasive procedure surveillance.

CONCLUSION

Technique described to preserve left superior vena cava is a useful alternative for this patient with no surgical complications.