[The topography of the hepatic vein orifices (author's transl)]

The termination of the hepatic veins in the inferior vena cava was studied in 157 bodies. Two types of termination were observed: a cranial group close to the diaphragm with orifices varying between 4 and 25 mm., and a caudal group with orifices between 0.5 and 7 mm. In the first group, three types can be distinguished. In type I (45%) there are two, in type II (40%) there are three and in type III(15%) four hepatic veins which terminate in the vena cava. The caudal group showed no regular pattern. In performing selective angiography of the hepatic veins and during pressure measurements via hepatic vein catheters, it should be remembered that in 55% more than two ostia are present in the inferior vena cava.