Left inferior pulmonary vein

Looks like

The lower of the two large veins leaving each lung, running from the lung root into the left atrium.

What it does

Returns oxygen-rich blood from the lower lobe to the left side of the heart.

Keeping it well

The openings of the pulmonary veins often trigger atrial fibrillation; catheter ablation isolates them to restore a regular rhythm.

Its parts

• Left common basal vein

Related conditions

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