What happened, in summary

A 51-year-old woman with invasive ductal carcinoma of the right breast was admitted for her first adjuvant chemotherapy treatment 3 weeks after breast-cancer surgery. Eight chemotherapy cycles were planned. Because the right breast had been removed, the team placed a venous infusion port from the left side to support the planned treatment course.

After the procedure, chest imaging showed that the catheter followed an unusual path. Further imaging confirmed a persistent left superior vena cava, a congenital vascular variation that had not previously been recognized. The catheter tip was close to the coronary sinus, so the team reopened the port site and shortened the catheter. Angiography then confirmed that the revised position was suitable for continued use.

She completed the first chemotherapy session without significant discomfort. The adjusted port remained usable for the planned adjuvant treatment course.