Anomalous Drainage of Entire Pulmonary Venous System into Left Innominate Vein

Abstract

Total anomalous drainage of pulmonary venous blood produces a severe circulatory disturbance. In the most common type of this category of lesions, the entire venous return from the lungs enters a common venous channel ascending in the left superior mediastinum where it connects with the innominate vein. Seven cases of this type are described. Successful total correction was possible in 4 of these patients in whom a special technic was used, which incorporated the pump oxygenator for temporary cardiopulmonary bypass. This technic provides optimum conditions for complete correction of this complicated anomaly.