Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm with Intra-operative Damage to the Inferior Vena Cava - Medical Illustration, Human Anatomy Drawing
This illustration depicts the stages of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair complicated by intra-operative damage to the inferior vena cava (IVC). In the normal anatomy, the abdominal aorta is shown anterior to the inferior vena cava, with the renal arteries and veins branching to supply the kidneys. In the pre-operative condition, an aneurysm is present, seen as a dilation of the abdominal aorta. The inferior vena cava is adherent to the aneurysmal aorta, which can occur in long-standing aneurysms. The post-operative condition shows the repaired aneurysm, but a tear in the inferior vena cava, sustained during surgery, has been sutured closed to prevent further complications.