Pulmonary veins (Venae pulmonales)

Layer: Vessels

Educational content only — not medical advice.

Anatomy

Four veins (superior and inferior per lung) draining into the left atrium with oxygenated blood — unique among veins — and their atrial sleeves are the classic electrical origin of atrial fibrillation targeted in ablation.

Clinical notes

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection gives cyanosis with anomalous venous drainage; their injury threatens en-bloc avulsion during open-heart left-atrial surgery.

Related structures

Educational references

FAQ

What is the role of the Pulmonary veins?

Four veins (superior and inferior per lung) draining into the left atrium with oxygenated blood — unique among veins — and their atrial sleeves are the classic electrical origin of atrial fibrillation targeted in ablation.

Why is the Pulmonary veins clinically important?

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection gives cyanosis with anomalous venous drainage; their injury threatens en-bloc avulsion during open-heart left-atrial surgery.

Source & license

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