Transhepatic approach of patent foramen ovale closure in the setting of congenital inferior vena cava anomaly

Abstract

Key Clinical Message Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is the most common interatrial septal abnormality. The indications for PFO device closure are still being evaluated, with the most common reason being to prevent cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) caused by paradoxical embolism of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower extremities. This procedure is usually performed through percutaneous intervention using femoral vein access. Here, we present a case of PFO closure using a transhepatic approach, as femoral vein access was not feasible due to an interrupted inferior vena cava (IVC). The patient had a prominent left‐sided IVC, larger than the right‐sided IVC, and the left‐sided IVC served as the main draining conduit via the hemiazygous system, which then connected to the azygous vein and emptied into the right atrium (RA). Cardiac MRI confirmed these findings, including the continuation of the suprahepatic IVC to the right atrium. With the assistance of interventional radiologist, transhepatic access was achieved, and the PFO was successfully closed. Hemostasis was achieved using coil embolization, and there were no post‐procedural complications.

Keywords

• congenital heart disease
• IVC anomaly
• patent foramen ovale
• stroke
• vascular anomaly