persistent left superior vena cava associated with congenital heart defects is generally a benign finding without hemodynamic impact which does not need surgery. nevertheless, in some circumstances, it may result a condition needing a treatment, or it may be necessary to perform certain modifications in surgical techniques used for other congenital heart defects. the present article deals with a review of those situations in which a persistent left superior vena cava needs a specific surgical approach. in addition, an original surgical procedure used in these patients, which has been recently reported by our team, is commented in relationship with each of the different anatomic presentations.
