SVC

Medical abbreviation · Anatomy

SVC
Stands forSuperior vena cava
CategoriesMedical

SVC stands for Superior vena cava, an anatomy abbreviation.

Large vein that returns blood from the head, neck, arms and upper chest to the right atrium. Central venous catheters and PICC lines are positioned with their tips in the lower SVC or at its junction with the right atrium.

Example: PICC tip at the cavoatrial junction of the SVC; okay to use.

Usage notes

SVC syndrome, obstruction by tumor (often lung cancer or lymphoma) or by clot around catheters, causes swelling of the face and arms and distended chest wall veins. A persistent left SVC is a congenital variant that can complicate pacemaker placement. The inferior vena cava drains the lower body.

More anatomy abbreviations

  • SB – Small bowel
  • SCM – Sternocleidomastoid (muscle)
  • SFA – Superficial femoral artery
  • SI – Sacroiliac (joint)
  • SMA – Superior mesenteric artery
  • SNS – Sympathetic nervous system
  • T-spine – Thoracic spine
  • TFCC – Triangular fibrocartilage complex
  • TI – Terminal ileum
  • TM – Tympanic membrane
  • TMJ – Temporomandibular joint
  • UCL – Ulnar collateral ligament

See all 70 anatomy abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.