From the Guidelines
The deep venous system includes the Superior vena cava, Bilateral brachiocephalic (BCV) veins, Internal Jugular (IJ) veins, and Vertebral veins, while the superficial venous system includes the External Jugular (EJ) veins and Anterior Jugular (AJ) veins. This classification is based on the anatomical location of these vessels relative to the deep fascia of the neck and thorax, as implied by the management of thrombosis in these veins 1. Deep veins typically run alongside major arteries and are located beneath the deep fascia, while superficial veins are located in the subcutaneous tissue above the deep fascia. The deep venous system generally carries the majority of venous return from the head and neck, with the Internal Jugular vein being the primary vessel. The Superior vena cava receives blood from the brachiocephalic veins and delivers it to the right atrium of the heart, as part of the venous return pathway 1. The superficial veins like the External and Anterior Jugular veins primarily drain the superficial structures of the face and neck and eventually empty into the deep venous system. Key characteristics of deep and superficial veins include their location relative to the deep fascia, their relationship to major arteries, and their role in venous return from the head and neck. In clinical practice, understanding the distinction between deep and superficial veins is crucial for the diagnosis and management of conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and for the appropriate use of imaging modalities like ultrasound duplex Doppler for assessing suspected DVT in the upper extremities 1. The management of DVT involving the deep veins of the upper limb, including the brachiocephalic, subclavian, axillary, internal jugular, and brachial veins, and the Superior vena cava, involves anti-coagulation and catheter-directed therapy in appropriate candidates, highlighting the importance of accurate classification of these veins 1.
From the Research
Deep Venous System
- The Superior vena cava is part of the deep venous system 2, 3.
- The Bilateral brachiocephalic vein is part of the deep venous system 2, 4.
- The Internal Jugular vein is part of the deep venous system 2, 4.
- The Vertebral vein is part of the deep venous system, although there is limited information in the provided studies.
Superficial Venous System
- The External Jugular vein is part of the superficial venous system, as it is not mentioned as part of the deep venous system in the provided studies.
- The Anterior Jugular vein is part of the superficial venous system, as it is not mentioned as part of the deep venous system in the provided studies.
Key Points
- The distinction between deep and superficial venous systems is important for diagnosis and treatment of thromboembolic diseases 5, 6.
- The provided studies do not explicitly classify the Anterior Jugular and External Jugular veins, but based on the information available, they can be inferred to be part of the superficial venous system.
- The studies focus on the diagnosis and treatment of thromboembolic diseases in the deep venous system, particularly in the superior vena cava and brachiocephalic veins 2, 3.