The inferior vena cava is a large vein that carries the deoxygenated blood from the lower and middle body into the right atrium of the heart. It is formed by the joining of the right and the left common iliac veins, usually at the level of the fifth lumbar vertebra.

The inferior vena cava is the lower ("inferior") of the two venae cavae, the two large veins that carry deoxygenated blood from the body to the right atrium of the heart: the inferior vena cava carries blood from the lower half of the body whilst the superior vena cava carries blood from the upper half of the body. Together, the venae cavae (in addition to the coronary sinus, which carries blood from the muscle of the heart itself) form the venous counterparts of the aorta.

It is a large retroperitoneal vein that lies posterior to the abdominal cavity and runs along the right side of the vertebral column. It passes to the right of the descending aorta.

Anatomy variations

The anatomy of the IVC can exhibit abnormalities in approximately 8.7% of the global population. These variations may arise during its development, specifically between the 4th and 8th weeks of gestation, due to the intricate process of vessel formation. The IVC is composed of four segments formed from the anastomoses of various vessels: hepatic, suprarenal, renal, and infrarenal. The hepatic segment originates from the vitelline vein, while the suprarenal segment includes a portion of the right subcardinal vein that does not regress. The renal segment is created through the anastomoses of the right suprasubcardinal and postsubcardinal veins, and the infrarenal segment derives from the right supracardinal vein. The subcardinal and supracardinal veins gradually replace the postcardinal veins, which persist as the common iliac veins within the pelvis.

The formation of the IVC is a complex process that can result in anomalies. These anomalies are more frequently observed in individuals with other cardiovascular defects. the inferior vena cava may be duplicated beneath the level of the renal veins.

The corresponding vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper half of the body is the superior vena cava.

Diameter evaluation of IVC

Various image-processing methods have been applied to US scans of the IVC.

Blockage of the inferior vena cava is rare and is treated urgently as a life-threatening condition. It is associated with deep vein thrombosis, IVC filters, liver transplantation and surgical procedures such as the insertion of a catheter in the femoral vein in the groin.

thumb|Branches of Inferior Vena Cava

Trauma to the vena cava is usually fatal as unstoppable excessive blood loss occurs.

Additional images

<gallery>

File:Inferiorvenacava.png|Inferior vena cava

File:Slide10bek.JPG|Inferior vena cava front view

File:Inferior vena cava filter.jpg|Image of an inferior vena cava filter

File:3D Medical Animation Inferior Vena Filter.jpg|Image showing an inferior vena cava filter in its position

</gallery>

See also

  • Atriocaval shunt
  • Inferior vena cava syndrome
  • Recovery position

References

  • - "Posterior Abdominal Wall: Tributaries to the Inferior Vena Cava"