Transcatheter closure of persistent left sided superior vena cava draining into left atrium - importance of balloon test occlusion.

The anatomy, implications of and percutaneous methods of closure of persistent left-sided vena cava (PLSVC) in adults is reviewed. We also describe the technique for balloon test occlusion and highlight the importance of identifying collateral vessels to the right superior vena cava prior to consideration of percutaneous closure of PLSVC.