Superior Vena Cava Duplication: The Red Herring of Central Line Placement

Abstract

5 million central venous access lines are placed every year in the United States, and it is a common surgical bedside procedure. We present a case of a central venous catheter placement with port for chemotherapy use, during which a duplication of a superior vena cava was discovered on CTA chest after fluoroscopy could not confirm placement of the guidewire. Due to its potential clinical implications, superior vena cava duplication must be recognized when it occurs.