Persistent left superior vena cava is an uncommon abnormality of the venous system. Most commonly, it is diagnosed incidentally during central vein catheterisation on the left side or pacemaker implantation. We present the case of a patient with persistent left superior vena cava, which was diagnosed after the attempted insertion of tunnelled haemodialysis catheter through the left internal jugular vein. The presence of the persistent left superior vena cava was confirmed by cardiac echography and angio–computed tomography scan. The 19-cm long tunnelled haemodialysis catheter was inserted into persistent left superior vena cava through the left internal jugular vein with good long-term function.