What blood vessel may become compressed during resuscitation of a heavily pregnant patient lying flat?

During resuscitation of a heavily pregnant patient who is lying flat, the inferior vena cava is particularly vulnerable to compression. As the size of the uterus increases, especially during the later stages of pregnancy, it can exert pressure on the inferior vena cava when the patient is in a supine position. This compression can impede venous return to the heart, leading to decreased cardiac output and potential complications during resuscitation efforts.

It is important for healthcare providers to be aware of this risk in order to reposition the patient appropriately, often by tilting the body to the left. This lateral tilt helps to relieve pressure on the inferior vena cava, facilitating better blood flow back to the heart and improving the effectiveness of resuscitation measures.

The other blood vessels listed, while crucial in circulation, are not affected by the compression in the same way when a pregnant patient is lying flat. The aorta, for example, is positioned more posteriorly and is not as susceptible to compression from the uterus, while the pulmonary artery and femoral artery are also not typically compromised in the supine position due to anatomical positioning.