The superior vena cava (SVC) is a short, large diameter vein, which is oriented vertically and located in the anterior and right side of the superior mediastinum. The SVC is one of the two large veins that return deoxygenated blood from the body to the right side of the heart. The SVC drains the upper body, while the inferior vena cava (IVC) drains everything below the diaphragm.