THE VENAE-CAVAE AND THEIR MAIN TRIBUTARIE S - VALVE CONDITIONS NEAR THEIR TRIBUTARIES AND ABNORMAL ENDOTHELIAL STRUCTURES

The site and condition of the valves at the junctions of the venae cav ae and their tributaries were determined, abnormal endothelial structu res identified and the vessel calibre measured in sections through the superior venae cavae of 122 and of the inferior venae cavae of 107 ad ults. A scale diagram of the venae cavae shows variations of the valve position and occurrence of abnormal endothelial structures in the bra chiocephalic veins and the inferior vena cava. These structures might present a hazard for central venous catheterization and introduction o f a vena cava filter.