What deep veins are located in the upper arms?

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Last updated: April 12, 2025 • View editorial policy

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.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.