Superior epigastric vein

Looks like

Veins in the upper abdominal wall behind the rectus muscle, continuing up from the internal thoracic vein.

What it does

Drain the upper abdominal wall and link with the inferior epigastric vein.

Keeping it well

Forms a detour route between the upper and lower body if the vena cava is blocked.

Related conditions

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