Ascending lumbar vein

Looks like

A vein running up beside the lumbar spine, behind the psoas muscle, linking the lumbar veins.

What it does

Joins the subcostal vein to form the azygos (right) or hemiazygos (left) vein.

Keeping it well

Forms a detour for blood when the inferior vena cava is blocked; it can bleed in spinal surgery from the side.

Related conditions

• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Clotting disorders (thrombophilia & APS)
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Varicose veins