From the Guidelines
The deep veins of the upper arms are considered to be the brachial, axillary, subclavian, and innominate veins. These veins are responsible for draining blood from the upper limb and are located beneath the deep fascia, surrounded by muscles 1. The brachial veins, which accompany the brachial artery, are a key part of this deep venous system.
- Key characteristics of these deep veins include:
- Location beneath the deep fascia
- Surrounding by muscles
- Presence of valves to prevent backflow of blood
- Connection to the superficial venous system through perforating veins
- In contrast, superficial veins such as the cephalic and basilic veins lie in the subcutaneous tissue and do not require anticoagulant therapy in the event of superficial thrombosis 1.
- Understanding the anatomy of these deep veins is crucial for medical procedures such as central line placement and for diagnosing conditions like deep vein thrombosis 1.
From the Research
Deep Veins of the Upper Arms
The deep veins of the upper arms include:
- Subclavian veins
- Axillary veins
- Brachial veins
- Ulnar veins
- Radial veins 2
Classification of Deep Veins
These veins are considered deep veins because they are part of the deep venous system that drains the upper extremities 2.
Risk Factors and Complications
Thrombosis in these veins can be caused by various factors, including thoracic outlet anatomic obstruction, central intravenous catheters, and cancer 3, 2. Complications of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) include pulmonary embolism, recurrences, post-thrombotic syndrome, and death 3.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of UEDVT can be confirmed by diagnostic imaging procedures such as duplex ultrasound, computed tomography scan, or magnetic resonance imaging 2. Treatment options include anticoagulant therapy, thrombolysis, and surgical decompression 3, 2.
Specific Veins
The brachial veins are specifically mentioned as deep veins that can be accessed for large-bore upper extremity venous thrombectomy using the ClotTriever Thrombectomy System 4. Brachial vein thrombosis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, including pulmonary embolism 5.