Comprehension: Abdominal Veins
Hepatic Portal System
Another way to outline the portal system is by direct injection of contrast material via a catheter placed in the portal vein extending to the splenic vein. In the study shown, the catheter was initially installed in the liver by inserting a needle between the ribs. The catheter was passed through the needle into the portal vein and eventually the splenic vein by observing its passage with a fluoroscope. The superior mesenteric vein is not seen because of non-opaque venous blood flowing out of it. This study was done prior to the placement of a conduit between the portal vein and inferior vena cava.