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Internal anatomy of the infra‐renal inferior vena cava (913.7)
Author(s) -
Bubb Kathleen,
Plessis Maira,
Loukas Marios,
Tubbs R. Shane
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.28.1_supplement.913.7
Subject(s) - medicine , anatomy , dissection (medical) , inferior vena cava , gross anatomy , cadaver , tributary , radiology , geography , cartography
Despite descriptions of the inferior vena cava spanning over several centuries, little data regarding its internal structure is available. A lack of consensus and paucity of scientific data describing the tributaries of the infra‐renal segment specifically related to their ostia warrants further study. Tributaries such as the renal and adrenal have been studied extensively however the smaller tributaries have not been given as much attention. Given that accurate knowledge of the anatomy of these veins is necessary for improvement during surgical interventions in the retroperitoneum we feel that a comprehensive study of the internal anatomy of the Inferior Vena Cava is necessary. Dissection of the posterior abdominal wall was performed on formalin fixed cadavers. A midline incision was made in the anterior wall and location and orientation of the tributaries and their ostia were observed. Ostia size (vertical and horizontal diameters) and position as well as valve presence and morphology were noted. The majority of tributaries had ostia located at the posterior and left aspect; most of these entered obliquely and had valves containing one or two leaflets. Valves were also noted in a right renal vein independent of it receiving a gonadal tributary. The study indicates that previous reports claiming valveless tributaries are inaccurate and needs reevaluation on a larger scale.