Left Hepatic Vein Quick Facts
Origin: Within the left portion of the liver.
Course: Joins the intermediate (middle) hepatic vein and terminates in the inferior vena cava.
Tributaries: Umbilical fissure vein.
Drainage: Left portion of the liver.
Left Hepatic Vein Origin
The left hepatic vein originates within the left portion of the liver between the medial and lateral sectors.
Left Hepatic Vein Course
The left hepatic vein typically joins the middle hepatic vein as it travels posterosuperior through the left portion of the liver, before it ultimately drains directly into the inferior vena cava.
Left Hepatic Vein Tributaries
The left hepatic vein receives an umbilical fissure vein, which typically runs between segments III and IV of the liver.
Left Hepatic Vein Structures Drained
The left hepatic vein drains the left portion of the liver, associated with segments II, III, and occasionally IV.
Left Hepatic Vein List of Clinical Correlates
- Liver transplantation
- Hepatic resections
Left Hepatic Vein References
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41 edn.: Elsevier Limited.
Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products
Hepatic Vein
The hepatic vein is composed of three major tributaries (right, middle, and left intrahepatic branches) and drains blood flow from the right, left, and quadrate lobes into the inferior vena cava.
