Evaluación morfológica del músculo subclavio en una muestra de material de autopsia: inferencias clínicas / Morphological evaluation of the subclavian muscle in a sample of autopsy material: clinical inferences

RESUMEN: El músculo subclavio (MS) guarda estrecha relación con las estructuras neurovasculares (ENV) en el tercio medio de la región clavicular, situación de suma importancia para la realización de procedimientos invasivos de esta región. Pocos estudios han determinado la distancia desde el MS hacia la vena subclavia (VS), arteria subclavia (AS) y plexo braquial (PB). El propósito de este estudio fue valuar la expresión morfológica del MS y su relación con las ENV en una muestra de especímenes cadavéricos frescos. Estudio descriptivo en el que se realizó disección anatómica sobre la región clavicular de 30 especímenes de cadáveres humanos frescos no reclamados del Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses, Colombia. Se realizó la caracterización cualitativa y cuantitativa del MS y se determinó la relación del MS con las ENV en la región clavicular. El MS presentó una longitud de 102,4±10,3 mm, con un espesor anteroposterior de 8,8±1,9 mm y superoinferior de 7,0±1,9 mm. El MS se caracterizó así: tipo I en 12 (40 %) especímenes, tipo II en 18 especímenes, tipo IIa: 10 especímenes. No encontramos tipos III y IV. La VS, AS y PB se relacionaron con el MS en el tercio medial y medio de su longitud a una distancia desde el margen superior del MSde 9,4±2,2 mm, 11,3±2,1 mm y 12,0±1,5 mm respectivamente. Los MS se relacionaron con las ENV de la región clavicular en una zona comprendida entre el 36,2±3,6 % y 89,4±4,8 % de su longitud total. Los hallazgos cualitativos y morfométricos de este estudio enriquecen los conceptos anatómicos subclaviculares y son de utilidad para el manejo quirúrgico de fracturas de clavícula.

SUMMARY: The subclavian muscle (MS) is closely related to the neurovascular structures (VNS) in the middle third of the clavicular region, and is critical when performing invasive procedures in this region. Few studies have determined the distance from the MS to the subclavian vein (VS), subclavian artery (AS) and brachial plexus (PB). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the morphological expression of MS and its relationship with VNS in a sample of fresh cadaveric specimens. The study involved the anatomical dissection in the clavicular region of 30 specimens of fresh unclaimed human cadavers from the National Institute of Forensic Medicine and Sciences, Colombia. The qualitative and quantitative characterization of the MS was carried out and the relationship of the MS with the VNS in the clavicular region was determined. The MS presented a length of 102.4 ± 10.3 mm, with an anteroposterior thickness of 8.8 ± 1.9 mm and a superoinferior thickness of 7.0 ± 1.9 mm. The DM was characterized as follows: type I in 12 (40 %) specimens, type II in 18 specimens, type IIa: 10 specimens. We did not find types III and IV. The SV, AS and PB were related to the MS in the medial and middle third of its length at a distance from the upper edge of the MS of 9.4 ± 2.2 mm, 11.3 ± 2.1 mm and 12.0 ± 1,5 mm respectively. The MS were related to the VNS of the clavicular region in an area between 36.2 ± 3.6 % and 89.4 ± 4.8 % of its total length. The qualitative and morphometric findings of this study enrich the subclavicular anatomical concepts and are useful for the surgical management of clavicle fractures.

The Venerable Subclavian Line.

In this treatise, we will address one of the higher-risk procedures, subclavian vein cannulation, that a practitioner may undertake in the care of complex patients. All cardiothoracic surgeons and their trainees will need, on occasion, to put in central lines in a variety of circumstances, including in the operating room, in the intensive care unit, in emergency circumstances, and, occasionally, when other practitioners have been unsuccessful in their attempts to place a central line. We will describe, in detail, the anatomy of the subclavian vein, the preparation of the patient for subclavian vein cannulation, the infraclavicular approach to cannulation of the vein, and a few notes about the supraclavicular approach to the subclavian vein. It is self-evident that the priorities of central venous cannulation include safety of insertion, minimizing clot formation, and avoiding infection. We will dwell primarily on the principles of safe subclavian line insertion.

Anatomy and Embryology of the Thoracic Outlet.

The thoracic outlet is the space between the thorax and axilla through which the subclavian vein, subclavian artery, and brachial plexus travel from their central origins to their peripheral termini. Its bounds include the clavicle, first thoracic rib, insertion of the pectoralis minor muscle onto the coracoid process of the humerus, and the sternum. It contains three areas: the scalene triangle, the costoclavicular space, and the subcoracoid or pectoralis minor space. Aberrant anatomy is common in the thoracic outlet and may predispose patients to compression of the neurovascular bundle and development of clinical thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Much of this aberrancy is explained by the embryologic origins of the structures that comprise the thoracic outlet. A thorough understanding of this anatomy and embryology is therefore critical to the understanding of TOS.

Modified surface measurement method to determine catheter tip position of totally implantable venous access port through right subclavian vein.

BACKGROUND: Optimal catheter tip position of a totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) is important to maintain its function and to avoid severe complications. In this study, we aimed to assess the reliability of a modified surface measurement method to determine optimal tip position of a TIVAP catheter inserted through the right subclavian vein. METHODS: Clinical and radiologic information of 105 patients who underwent TIVAP implantation through the right subclavian vein was collected retrospectively. The length of the implanted catheter was determined by a modified surface measurement method, as follows. The distance from the puncture point (point A) to the middle point of the sternal notch (point B), then from the middle point of the sternal notch (point B) to the middle point of Louis angle (point C) was added up. The equation for the catheter length is given by catheter length (cm) = AB + BC + 3. Postprocedure plain chest radiography (CXR) and enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) were used to check the catheter tip position and to calculate optimal position rate. Distance from the carina to the catheter tip and the length of the vertebral body unit were measured on both CXR and CT. Distances from carina to caval-atrial junction (CAJ) and from catheter tip to CAJ were measured on CT. RESULTS: Mean length of the implanted catheter of all patients was 17.0 ± 0.7 cm (male vs female, 17.3 ± 0.5 cm vs 16.7 ± 0.7 cm; P < .001). On CXR, a catheter tip located within 2.4 vertebral body units below the carina was identified as the optimal position, and the optimal position rate was 97.1% (102/105 cases). On CT, two definitions of optimal position were used: within 2 cm above or below the CAJ and within 2 cm above or at the CAJ; the optimal position rate was 92.4% (97/105 cases) and 78.1% (82/105 cases), respectively. Median follow-up time was 9.4 months. During the follow-up, no severe cardiac complication was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: The modified surface measurement had high reliability in determining the optimal catheter length to accurately place the tip in the superior vena cava near the CAJ.

Vasos subclavios: ¿Qué tan cerca se encuentran de la clavícula? / Subclavian vessels: how close are they to the clavicle?

INTRODUCCIÓN: la lesión de los vasos subclavios durante la cirugía de clavícula es una situación rara, de suceder podría resultar incluso mortal; conocer su ubicación es indispensable para minimizar ese riesgo.OBJETIVO: determinar la ubicación y la distancia de la AS y VS respecto a la clavícula. Secundariamente, identificar las características particulares que influencien la ubicación y la distancia. MATERIALES Y MÉTODO: estudio retrospectivo, AngioTAC de tórax y cuello entre 2012 y 2017; se midió la longitud de la clavícula, distancia y dirección de los vasos subclavios en cada tercio de la clavícula, como también la angulación entre una horizontal y el centro de los vasos subclavios. Resultados: 39 AngioTC, 78 hombros. Distancia AS/clavícula tercio proximal, medio y distal 32,8mm (20,3-46,3), 15,4mm (6,8-28,0) y 62,7mm (37,0-115,4) respectivamente. La distancia VS/clavícula tercio proximal, medio y distal fue: 7,4mm (1,0-19,2), 16,2mm (6,7-34,7) y 67,1mm (29,7-117,0) respectivamente. La ubicación de AS y VS con respecto a la clavícula es posterosuperior en el tercio proximal, posteroinferior en el tercio medio e inferior en el tercio distal. CONCLUSIÓN: En el tercio proximal la vena puede estar solo a 1mm de la clavícula y la arteria a 6mm en dirección antero-posterior, resultando esa zona la más peligrosa. En el tercio medio la distancia es mayor, pudiendo estar arteria y vena a solo 6mm, la dirección de brocado más peligrosa es antero-inferior con una inclinación promedio de 45° caudal. El tercio distal es el más seguro, los vasos están al menos a 30mm de distancia hacia caudal. Nivel de evidencia III.

BACKGROUND: injury to the subclavian vessels during clavicle surgery is a rare situation, if it happens it could even be fatal; knowing their location is essential to minimize that risk. OBJECTIVE: determine location and distance of the AS and VS with respect to the clavicle. Secondarily identify particular characteristics that influence location and distance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: retrospective study, AngioTAC of thorax and neck between 2012 and 2017; it was measured the length of the clavicle, distance and direction of the subclavian vessels in each third of the clavicle and angulation between a horizontal and the center of the subclavian vessels were measured. Results: 39 AngioTC, 78 shoulders. AS / clavicle third proximal, middle and distal distance 32.8mm (20.3-46.3), 15.4mm (6.8-28.0) and 62.7mm (37.0-115.4) respectively. Distance VS / clavicle third proximal, middle and distal was: 7.4mm (1.0-19.2), 16.2mm (6.7-34.7) and 67.1mm (29.7-117.0) respectively. The location of AS and VS with respect to the clavicle is posterosuperior in the proximal third, posteroinferior in the middle third and inferior in the distal third. CONCLUSION: In the proximal third the vein can be only 1mm from the clavicle and the artery to 6mm in the anterior-posterior direction, this zone is the most dangerous. In the middle third the distance is greater, artery and vein can be only to 6mm, the most dangerous drilling direction is antero-inferior with an average inclination of 45° caudal. The distal third is the safest, the vessels are at least 30mm away from the vessels. Level of evidence III.

Subclavian and axillary vessel anatomy: a prospective observational ultrasound study.

PURPOSE: The primary objective of this study was to define the ultrasound-derived anatomy of the axillary/subclavian vessels. As a secondary objective, we evaluated the relationship between the vascular anatomy and demographic, anthropometric, and hemodynamic data of patients. METHODS: This observational anatomical study used bedside ultrasound with 150 cardiac surgical patients in the operating room. Bilateral axillary and subclavian anatomy was determined using a high-frequency ultrasound probe with fixed reference points. Images were recorded and analyzed, and correlation with demographic, anthropometric, and hemodynamic data was performed. RESULTS: The images were adequate to evaluate potential anatomical variations in 97.4% of patients with a body mass index as high as 46.4 kg·m-2. The mean (standard deviation) diameter of the axillary vein was 1.2 (0.3) cm on the right side and 1.1 (0.2) cm on the left side. The dimensions of the axillary vein were larger on the right side in 69% of patients. The vein was located directly over the artery in the mid-clavicular view in 67% of the patients and in lateral-clavicular view in only 7% of the patients. As we moved the probe laterally, the vein was lateralized in relation to the artery in 89% of patients. There was no significant correlation between the hemodynamic data and vessel size, although direct correlation was found between body mass index and the depth of the vessel (P < 0.001). The axillary vein area was smaller in females than in males (P < 0.002), and in 4% of patients, the axillary vein was in an aberrant position. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing cardiac surgery, axillary vessel anatomy varied considerably, and the patients' hemodynamics could not predict the size of the axillary vessels. Only the patients' weight correlated moderately with the depth of the vein.

Predicting the Dimensions of an Intracardiac Partial-Assist Pump for Percutaneous Delivery by Analytical and Numerical Methods.

A minimally invasive ventricular assist device is under development for percutaneous insertion into the left atrium via transseptal access from the right atrium (RA). This study aimed to mathematically describe the vascular anatomy along possible insertion pathways to determine the device's maximum outer dimensions. We developed 2-dimensional mathematical models describing the vascular anatomy to the RA from three access points: subclavian vein (SCV), internal jugular vein (IJV), and femoral vein (FV). All pathways terminated by turning from the superior or inferior vena cava (SVC/IVC) into the RA. The model equations were based on restriction points in the pathways and were solved using anatomic size values 1 SD below published mean values so that the device will accommodate most patients. Vessels were considered rigid so that vessel deformation (and therefore risk) is minimized during device insertion. Maximum device length was calculated for a range of device diameters. The length at the most constraining angle in each turn was the maximum allowable device length. The least restrictive pathway was from the right FV, the turn from the IVC through the atrial septum being the most restrictive point. For a 10-mm diameter device, the length restriction for this pathway was 45 mm, whereas those for the right IJV and SCV were 42 and 21 mm, respectively. Medical device developers can apply these models to determine size specifications of new devices, whereas interventional physicians can apply them to determine if an existing device is appropriate for an individual patient.

A novel "shrug technique" for totally implantable venous access devices via the external jugular vein: A consecutive series of 254 patients.

BACKGROUND: The external jugular vein (EJV) approach for totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) is safe. However, the success rate is unsatisfactory because of the difficulty in catheterization due to the acute angle between the EJV and the subclavian vein (SCV). A novel "shrug technique" to overcome this difficulty was developed, and its efficacy was assessed in a consecutive case series. METHODS: TIVAD placement was performed via the EJV cut-down approach. "Shrug technique," a simple way to straighten the EJV-SVC angle by shrugging the patient's shoulder, was applied to facilitate the passage of the guidewire and sheath-introducer when there was acute angulation between the EJV and SCV. RESULTS: A total of 254 patients underwent TIVAD implantation by the EJV cut-down approach. The "shrug technique" was applied in 51 cases (20%), and catheterization was successful in all cases. Thus, TIVAD implantation was successfully completed in all 254 cases (100%) in a single operative setting. The median operating time was 38 [IQR 30-45] min. Eleven complications (4%) were observed, but none of them were EJV-specific. CONCLUSION: The "shrug technique" is simple but very useful to achieve a higher success rate and safer insertion of TIVADs from the EJV. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:291-295. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Biometric measurements involving the terminal portion of the thoracic duct on left cervical level IV: an anatomic study.

To determine the point of entrance of the thoracic duct in the venous system, as well as to evaluate some biometric measurements concerning its terminal portion, we conducted an anatomic study on 25 non-preserved cadavers. The termination of the thoracic duct occurred on the confluence between the left internal jugular vein and the left subclavian vein in 60 % of the individuals. The average results for the biometric measurements were: distance between the end of left internal jugular vein and omohyoid muscle 31.2 ± 2.7 mm; distance between the end of thoracic duct and the left internal jugular vein 0.0 ± 0.0 mm; distance between the end of thoracic duct and the left subclavian vein 3.6 ± 1.0 mm; distance between the end of thoracic duct and the left brachiocephalic vein 10.7 ± 3.1 mm. Moreover, it was identified that the left internal jugular vein length in level IV, measured between its entrance in the left subclavian vein and the omohyoid muscle, was able to predict the termination of the thoracic duct on the junction between the left internal jugular vein and the left subclavian vein (OR = 2.99) with high accuracy (79.3 %). In addition, the left internal jugular vein length at level IV was able to predict the localization of thoracic duct termination. Thus, this finding has practical value in minimizing the risk for a potential chyle leak during or after a left-sided neck dissection.

Comprehensive Imaging Review of the Superior Vena Cava.

The superior vena cava (SVC) is the largest central systemic vein in the mediastinum. Imaging (ie, radiography, computed tomography [CT], magnetic resonance [MR] venography, and conventional venography) plays an important role in identifying congenital variants and pathologic conditions that affect the SVC. Knowledge of the basic embryology and anatomy of the SVC and techniques for CT, MR imaging, and conventional venography are pivotal to accurate diagnosis and clinical decision making. Congenital anomalies such as persistent left SVC, partial anomalous pulmonary venous return, and aneurysm are asymptomatic and may be discovered incidentally in patients undergoing imaging evaluation for associated cardiac abnormalities or other indications. Familiarity with congenital abnormalities is important to avoid image misinterpretation. Acquired abnormalities such as intrinsic and extrinsic strictures, fibrin sheath, thrombus, primary neoplasms, and trauma can produce mild narrowing to complete occlusion, the latter leading to SVC syndrome. Each imaging modality plays a role in evaluation of the SVC, helping to determine the site, extent, and cause of pathologic conditions and guide appropriate management. Commonly performed interventional procedures for fibrin sheath and benign and malignant strictures include low-dose thrombolytic infusion, fibrin sheath disruption, venous angioplasty, and stent placement.

Teaching a sonographically guided invasive procedure to first-year medical students using a novel finger transducer.

OBJECTIVES: The exposure to ultrasound technology in medicine is increasing at multiple training levels. Ultrasound transducers have evolved to provide higher-resolution imaging for more accurate structural identification, with few improvements in ease of use. This study investigated a novel finger ultrasound transducer used by first-year medical students conducting structural identification and practicing an invasive procedure. METHODS: A literature search was conducted on texts, specialty journals, and websites regarding the anatomy of internal jugular and subclavian vein central line placement with sonographic guidance and the use of a finger transducer. First-year medical students performed timed sonographically guided cannulation on the internal jugular and subclavian veins on a phantom torso and identified the internal jugular and subclavian veins on a healthy volunteer using the finger transducer and a conventional transducer. After exposure to both transducers, a survey was taken regarding transducer preference. RESULTS: The literature search revealed no studies comparing finger and classic transducers or sonographically guided central line techniques being conducted by first-year medical students. The students identified and cannulated the internal jugular and subclavian veins using both transducers. Survey results revealed that 70% of the students preferred the finger transducer. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that first-year medical students could interpret sonographic anatomy while conducting a clinical procedure. The finger transducer proved successful in structure identification and was preferred to the classic transducer because of its combined tactile presence. This pilot study of a novel finger transducer showed the benefits of combining palpatory skills with ultrasound technology in teaching first-year medical students to perform invasive procedures.

Sonoanatomy of the vasculature at the supraclavicular and interscalene regions relevant for brachial plexus block.

BACKGROUND: Our aim in this observational study was to utilize ultrasound, as well as anatomic dissection, to document the frequency with which branches of the subclavian vessels are found in close association with the brachial plexus at the locations of supraclavicular and interscalene brachial plexus block. METHODS: Ultrasound was utilized to document the presence of branches of the subclavian vein and artery, adjacent to the brachial plexus in the supraclavicular and in the interscalene region in 50 patients undergoing shoulder surgery. The position, depth, and dimensions of the vessels were described, and the origin determined when possible. In addition, the posterior triangle of the neck on both sides of three non-preserved cadavers was dissected to evaluate the vascular anatomy and correlate the ultrasound findings. RESULTS: Ultrasound scanning revealed an arterial branch adjacent to, or passing directly through, the brachial plexus in the supraclavicular region in 43/50 (86%) patients. Within the interscalene region, an artery was identified coursing in a lateral direction in 45/50 (90%) of cases, while a corresponding small vein, coursing medial to lateral in this area, was noted in 23/50 (46%) of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Small branch vessels from the subclavian artery and vein were frequently evident, on ultrasound imaging, in close association with the nerve elements of the brachial plexus in the supraclavicular and interscalene regions. Appreciation of the presence of these vessels and their likely origin and course will aid the anesthesiologist in planning a safe nerve block.

Anatomic relationships after instrumentation of the midshaft clavicle with 3.5-mm reconstruction plating: an anatomic study.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the anatomic relationships of the major neurovascular structures at the midshaft clavicle region as they pertain to plate osteosynthesis in the treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures. METHODS: Fifteen fresh cadaveric specimens were dissected at the clavicle region. The shortest distances from the midshaft clavicular fracture lines to the subclavian artery and vein and brachial plexus were measured with a digital caliper with the limb in anatomic position and at 90° of abduction. The mean and range distance values were recorded. The clavicles were then instrumented with eight-hole, 3.5-mm reconstruction plates and screws (Synthes, Paoli PA) placed in superior and anteroinferior positions. The shortest distances from the screw tips to the neurovascular structures were measured at variable plate positions, fracture zones, and limb positions. The incidence of screw tip contact was reported. RESULTS: In 20% (three of 15) of the specimens, screw tip contact with a major neurovascular structure occurred. In these three specimens, two screw tip contacts occurred with the plate in a superior position and two occurred with the plate in an anteroinferior position. In one specimen, screw tip contact occurred with both plate positions. Limb abduction to 90° consistently increased the distance of the neurovascular structures from the clavicle. There was no observable trend in screw contact frequency in respect to limb position or fracture zone. CONCLUSION: Caution must be exercised when instrumenting midshaft clavicle fractures regardless of chosen plate position. Limb abduction to 90° provides an added measure of safety during clavicle instrumentation.

Position of valves within the subclavian and axillary veins.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this explorative morphologic study was to determine the position and frequency of the valves in the axillary and subclavian veins. METHODS: The position and frequency of the valves in the subclavian and axillary veins were studied macroscopically in 59 limbs from 30 cadavers. We measured in situ with a measuring tape, starting from the venous angle toward the initiation of the axillary vein. All cadavers were bequeathed by informed consent. RESULTS: A terminal valve existed in all subclavian veins within the range of 0.0 to 27.5 mm (mean: left, 13.87 mm; right, 9.78 mm) distally to the venous angle; a second valve existed in one left and one right subclavian vein at a distance of 30.0 and 30.5 mm, respectively. All left axillary veins had a "most proximal" valve (mean, 103.4 mm), 73.3% also possessed a second valve (mean, 140.48 mm), and 16.7% had a third valve (mean, 153.9 mm). All right axillary veins possessed at least one valve (mean, 100.07 mm), 75.86% had a second valve (mean, 134.55 mm), 34.48% also had a third valve (mean, 157.30 mm), and 10.3% had a fourth valve (mean, 140.0 mm). CONCLUSIONS: All of the axillary and subclavian veins in our specimens possessed at least one valve. All the valves in the subclavian veins were concentrated to the proximal half, resulting in a valveless distal half. The subclavian vein rarely had a second valve. The valves in the axillary veins were located in the distal half, resulting in a valveless proximal half. The axillary vein can have one to four valves. No relation was evident between the frequency of the valves and the age of the donors when they died. Many other factors may influence the frequency of the valves in the axillary vein.

Anatomy of the thoracic duct.

The thoracic duct is a major anatomic structure of the upper part of the abdomen, chest, and the lower part of the neck. This article reviews the embryology, anatomy, and multiple variations of the thoracic duct. Proper knowledge of this anatomy should ease understanding the pathophysiology of diseases involving the lymph channels and also prevent injury to the duct during major procedures in which the duct or its tributaries can be involved.

Cephalic vein: detail of its anatomy in the deltopectoral triangle / Vena cefálica: detalle de su anatomía en el trígono deltopectoral

The cephalic vein shows a scarce description, especially in the deltopectoral triangle, and its ending in the axillary vein. Some established considerations such as "superficial vein, located in the deltopectoral groove, accompanied by braches of the thoraco-acromial artery, which ends in the deltopectoral triangle in the shape of fan arch" should be reevaluated. Procedures difficulties in the la catheterization deserve for a more accurate description. A descriptive, prospective study is performed. The goal is to determine the anatomy of the cephalic vein in the deltopectoral triangle, with a special focus on the characteristics concerning its path and type of termination. Findings show that the cephalic vein is deeply placed and has a different path than that of an arch (circumference segment on a level) with a retro pectoral path and an acceptable diameter, thus useful and safe in the catheterization processes.

La vena cefálica ha sido poco descrita en el triángulo deltopectoral y su terminación en la vena axilar. Algunas consideraciones la señalan como "la vena superficial, situada en el surco deltopectoral, acompañada de ramas de la arteria toraco-acromial, que termina en el trígono deltopectoral en forma de arco de ventilador" por lo que debe ser reevaluado. Debido a las dificultades en los procedimientos de cateterización la vena cefálica merece una descripción más exacta. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo prospectivo con el objetivo de determinar la anatomía de la vena cefálica en el trígono deltopectoral, dando especial atención a sus trayecto y tipo de terminación. Los resultados demostraron que la vena cefálica está localizada profundamente en el surco deltopectoral, presenta un trayecto distinto a un arco (segmento de la circunferencia de un nivel) siendo este trayecto retropectoral y un diámetro aceptable, por lo tanto, útil y seguro para los procesos de cateterización.

An unusual termination of seven veins in the jugulo-subclavian junction / Inusual terminación de siete venas en la unión yugulo-subclavia

During anatomical dissection of a female Caucasian cadaver in our department, we observed an unusual termination of seven veins at the jugulo-subclavian junction. Normally, the jugulo-subclavian junction is formed by the union of the internal jugular vein and the subclavian vein, and gives rise to the brachionocephalic vein. In our case, except from these two, five additional veins, namely the cephalic vein, the transverse cervical vein, the external jugular vein, the anterior jugular vein, and the vertebral vein, were also joined at the level of the jugulo-subclavian junction, in order to form the brachionocephalic vein. Such a variation has not yet been reported in the literature.

Durante la disección anatómica de un cadáver caucásico femenino, se observó una inusual terminación de siete venas en el lugar de unión yúgulo-subclavia. Normalmente, la unión yúgulo-subclavia consiste en la unión de la vena yugular interna y la vena subclavia, que forman la vena braquiocefálica. En nuestro caso, además de estas dos venas, se observaron cinco venas adicionales, la vena cefálica, la vena cervical transversa, la vena yugular externa, la vena yugular anterior y la vena vertebral, la que también se unió en el nivel de la unión yúgulo-subclavia, a fin de formar la vena braquiocefálica. Tal variación no ha sido reportado en la literatura.

[Central venous catheter for newborns, infants and children]. / Zentrale Venenkatheter bei Neugeborenen, Säuglingen und Kindern.

In neonates, infants and young children central venous catheters are of vital importance during surgery as well as postoperative care. The benefit of ultrasonography seems to be very important for vascular access of the internal jugular (IJV), subclavian (SCV), femoral and even peripheral veins. Ultrasound-guided cannulation of the IJV increases the success rate, reduces the time to the successful puncture and decreases the inadvertent puncture of the carotid artery in children in comparison to the landmark-guided technique. Due to compression of the vessel by the approaching needle in neonates transfixing the vein and aspirating blood on withdrawal of the needle may be the preferred technique. The lack of space may prevent ultrasound-guided puncture of the SCV in very low birth weight infants. However, the location of the vein and its patency should always be determined via ultrasound prior to cannulation. After catheterization of the SCV the homolateral IJV is screened by the use of ultrasound to detect wrong guide wire migration. A clear and rapid visualization of visceral pleura movement against the parietal pleura during respiration via ultrasound indicates the absence of pneumothorax after cannulation. In the case of haemodynamic instability, ultrasound should be used to exclude pericardial effusion.

Central venous catheterization -- an anatomical review of a clinical skill -- Part 1: subclavian vein via the infraclavicular approach.

The safe and successful performance of a central venous catheterization (CVC) requires a specific knowledge of anatomy in addition to a working knowledge. Misunderstanding the anatomy may result in failure or complications. This review aims to aid understanding of the anatomical framework, pitfalls, and complications of CVC of the subclavian (SCV). CVC is common practice amongst surgeons, anesthesiologists, and emergency room physicians during the preparations for major surgical procedures such as open-heart surgery, as well as, for intensive care monitoring and rapid restoration of blood volume. Associated with this technique are certain anatomical pitfalls and complications that can be successfully avoided if one possesses a thorough knowledge of the contraindications, regional anatomy, and rationale of the technique.

Posterolateral cervical vein as a recipient vein in reconstructive microvascular surgery of the head and neck.

Free flaps are becoming the preferred method of choice for head and neck reconstruction. However, many patients who have undergone radiotherapy and radical neck dissection or who require treatment for recurrent tumor, often present difficulty in choosing recipient vessels. The authors have noted a potential recipient vein coursing vertically along the anterior ridge of the trapezius muscle. They used this vein as the recipient vein in two patients; the two free flaps were transferred successfully without complications. This vein, which they provisionally named the posterolateral cervical vein (PLCV), is considered an important option as a recipient vein in head and neck reconstruction when more commonly used recipient cervical veins are unavailable.