Accidental implantation of hemodialysis catheter in persistent left superior vena cava

Abstract

The implantation of central catheters for hemodialysis in patients with renal failure is a common practice. The venous access to the internal jugular vein through percutaneous puncture is the most recommended procedure because it produces the lowest percentage of stenosis. The right internal jugular vein puncture is the most appropriate one because it goes directly in vertical direction into the right atrium, but in some cases its canalization is impossible making it necessary to puncture the left internal jugular vein, the one next to the innominated vein that ends in the superior cava, with the result that its path is much curved. 3 cases in which the left intern jugular catheter that was inserted to perform hemodialysis accidentally canalized the anomaly in the persistent left superior vena cava were presented. In all the cases and before proceeding with the hemodialysis it was demonstrated by the gases of the punctuated vessel, echocardiogram or contrast medium that the catheter was positioned in the venous system that drains in the right atrium.