Stent implantation in obstructive supracardiac anomalous drainage

Total anomalous pulmonary venous return is a group of congenital cardiac defects. They have a low incidence but a high potential for complication. The case is presented of a young infant of low birthweight, with total obstructive anomalous pulmonary venous return, scheduled for a stent implant in a vertical vein, and subsequent corrective surgey. This showed evidence of a minimal residual obstruction on reaching the right pulmonary vein, and a reduced left atrial size. She had a long stay in intensive care secondary to difficulty in weaning off mechanical ventilation due to the presence of venous-capillary edema. This case demonstrates that endovascualr intervention is an option in high risk infants with a total obstructive anomalous pulmonary venous return as part of the strategy of pre-operative cardiovascular stabilisation. Corrective surgery should be considered when the clinical conditions permit it, with the aim of minimising the morbidity associated with the compromise of the distensibility of the left cavities.