Because the superior and inferior venae cavae are oriented along the same vertical axis, a guidewire, catheter, or line can be passed from the superior vena cava through the right atrium and into the inferior vena cava. This is a common route of access for such procedures as: transjugular liver biopsy, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS), and insertion of an inferior vena cava filter to catch emboli dislodged from veins in the lower limb and pelvis (i.e., patients with deep vein thrombosis [DVT]).