The subclavian vein (SVC) is classified as a deep vein and is the major venous channel that drains the upper extremities. Other deep veins of the upper extremity that accompany the major arteries include the radial, ulnar, brachial, axillary veins.
What does the cephalic vein do?
The cephalic vein drains the lateral side of the superficial venous network of the dorsum, which in turn drains blood from the palm of the hand 2. As it ascends, the cephalic vein drains blood from the lateral aspect of the upper limbs via small superficial veins 1.
What happens if the subclavian vein is blocked?
This tissue causes the vein to narrow and restrict blood flow, leading to the formation of blood clots. Left untreated, axillo-subclavian vein thrombosis can cause: Arm pain and fatigue. Arm swelling.
What is subclavian venipuncture?
Percutaneous cannulation of the subclavian vein uses anatomic landmarks to guide venipuncture and a Seldinger technique to thread a central venous catheter through the subclavian vein and into the superior vena cava.
Is subclavian vein a deep vein?
In the upper extremity the deep veins include the paired radial veins, paired ulnar veins, paired brachial veins, axillary vein, and subclavian vein.
Is cephalic vein a DVT?
DVT-UE must be distinguished from thrombosis of the superficial veins, i.e., the cephalic and basilic veins (1). Idiopathic DVT-UE and cases due to anatomical variants are known as primary DVT-UE.
Is cephalic vein considered deep?
Anatomical terminology In human anatomy, the cephalic vein is a superficial vein in the arm. It communicates with the basilic vein via the median cubital vein at the elbow and is located in the superficial fascia along the anterolateral surface of the biceps.
Is subclavian vein thrombosis serious?
Subclavian vein thrombosis (SCVT) is a condition where a blood clot forms in the subclavian vein. SCVT can occur from multiple etiologies and is a potentially life-threatening pathology if not treated in a timely manner. SCVT occurs due to either a primary etiology or a secondary etiology.
How do you treat subclavian vein thrombosis?
Initial treatment of subclavian vein thrombosis consists of conservative management, which includes rest, elevation of the limb, and application of heat or warm compresses. In a few patients who have minimal symptoms and no anatomic defects, physical therapy is the first component of treatment.
Where is the subclavian vein?
Usually, if the right subclavian vein is selected, the left hand is used to palpate for external landmarks and vice versa for the left side. The index finger is then placed in the sternal notch, and the thumb is placed at the angle of the clavicle, approximately two-thirds of the way lateral from the sternal notch.
What does subclavian vein mean?
The noun SUBCLAVIAN VEIN has 1 sense: 1. a continuation of the axillary vein; joins the internal jugular to form the brachiocephalic vein. Familiarity information: SUBCLAVIAN VEIN used as a noun is very rare.
The subclavian vein is the major venous channel that drains the upper limb. The subclavian vein starts at the crossing of the lateral border of the 1 st rib.
Topic Outline. Deep veins — The deep veins of the upper extremity include the paired ulnar, radial, and interosseous veins in the forearm; paired brachial veins of the upper arm; and axillary vein. The axillary vein becomes the subclavian vein at the lower border of the teres major muscle ( figure 2 ).
What is the subclavian vein?
The subclavian vein is a paired large vein, one on either side of the body, and runs under the clavicle and anterior to the artery of the same name. The diameter is approximately to that of the little finger.
