Which vein is typically accessed for drainage into the inferior vena cava (IVC)?

The hepatic vein is the correct choice because it is responsible for transporting blood from the liver directly into the inferior vena cava (IVC). The IVC collects blood from the lower parts of the body as well as the liver and returns it to the heart, making the hepatic vein a critical part of the venous drainage system.

The hepatic vein is comprised of several branches that drain blood from the liver, which is crucial for filtering and processing nutrients, toxins, and metabolic wastes before the blood enters the systemic circulation via the IVC. Understanding the anatomy and function of the hepatic vein is vital for any procedure involving vascular access related to liver function or related treatments.

In contrast, the azygos vein primarily drains the thoracic wall and upper lumbar region into the superior vena cava, which is not associated with drainage to the IVC. The posterior auricular vein mainly drains areas around the ear and does not play a role in significant drainage into the IVC. Finally, the saphenous vein is a superficial vein in the leg that drains into the femoral vein, which is not directly involved in connecting to the IVC but rather to the overall venous return to the heart.