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Subclavian vein
Subclavian vein
	The thyroid gland and its relations. (Right subclavian vein visible at bottom left, left subclavian vein visible at bottom right.)
	Diagram showing completion of development of the parietal veins. (Subclavian vein labeled at right, third from top.)
Details
Drains from	Upper extremity
Source	Axillary vein, external jugular vein
Drains to	Brachiocephalic vein
Artery	Subclavian artery
Identifiers
Latin	vena subclavia
MeSH	D013350
TA98	A12.3.08.002
TA2	4953
FMA	4725
	Anatomical terminology [edit on Wikidata]

The subclavian vein is a paired large vein, one on either side of the body, that is responsible for draining blood from the upper extremities, allowing this blood to return to the heart. The left subclavian vein plays a key role in the absorption of lipids, by allowing products that have been carried by lymph in the thoracic duct to enter the bloodstream. The diameter of the subclavian veins is approximately 1–2 cm, depending on the individual.^{[medical citation needed]}

Structure

Each subclavian vein is a continuation of the axillary vein and runs from the outer border of the first rib to the medial border of anterior scalene muscle.^[1] From here it joins with the internal jugular vein to form the brachiocephalic vein (also known as "innominate vein"). The angle of union is termed the venous angle.

The subclavian vein follows the subclavian artery and is separated from the subclavian artery by the insertion of anterior scalene.^[1] Thus, the subclavian vein lies anterior to the anterior scalene while the subclavian artery lies posterior to the anterior scalene (and anterior to the middle scalene).^[2]

Function

The thoracic duct drains into the left subclavian vein,^[3] near its junction with the left internal jugular vein. It carries lymph (water and solutes) from the lymphatic system, as well as chylomicrons or chyle, formed in the intestines from dietary fat and lipids, allowing these to enter the bloodstream; the products of fats and lipids can then be carried by the bloodstream to the hepatic portal vein, and then finally to the liver. Consequently, the left subclavian vein plays a key role in the absorption of these fats and lipids.

The right lymphatic duct drains its lymph into the junction of the right internal jugular vein, and the right subclavian vein.

Clinical relevance

Central venous lines

As the subclavian vein is large, central and relatively superficial, the right subclavian vein is often used to place central venous lines.^[4]^[5] It is less commonly used than other approaches, such as the right internal jugular vein, due to the risk of pneumothorax, haemothorax, and puncture of the accompanying subclavian artery.^[5]^[6]

Thoracic outlet syndrome

The subclavian vein may be blocked during thoracic outlet syndrome.^[7] This can lead to arm swelling, pain, and cyanosis.^[7] The cause of the thoracic outlet syndrome, whether a thrombus or external pressure, must be reversed urgently.^[7]

Etymology

Sub (below), and clavian (pertaining to the clavicle).

Disorders

Paget–Schroetter disease includes the thrombosis of the subclavian veins, in this case usually caused by exercise-induced strains.

Additional images

Peculiar ribs.
The venæ cavæ and azygos veins, with their tributaries.
The thoracic and right lymphatic ducts.
The thymus of a full-term infant, exposed in situ.
Subclavian vein
Subclavian vein - right view
Subclavian vein
Subclavian vein

References

^ ^a ^b Jacob, S. (2008-01-01), Jacob, S. (ed.), "Chapter 7 - Head and neck", Human Anatomy, Churchill Livingstone, pp. 181–225, doi:10.1016/b978-0-443-10373-5.50010-5, ISBN 978-0-443-10373-5, retrieved 2020-11-20
^ Ahn, Samuel S.; Conley, Milton; Ahn, Justin S. (2011-01-01), Moore, Wesley S.; Ahn, Samuel S. (eds.), "Chapter 65 - Axillosubclavian Vein Thrombectomy, Thrombolysis, and Angioplasty", Endovascular Surgery (Fourth Edition), Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, pp. 679–686, doi:10.1016/b978-1-4160-6208-0.10065-5, ISBN 978-1-4160-6208-0, retrieved 2020-11-20
^ "What is the Subclavian Vein? (with pictures)". wiseGEEK. Retrieved 2019-01-03.
^ Reich, David L.; Mittnacht, Alexander J.; London, Martin J.; Kaplan, Joel A. (2008-01-01), Kaplan, Joel A. (ed.), "Chapter 9 - Monitoring of the Heart and Vascular System", Essentials of Cardiac Anesthesia, Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, pp. 167–198, ISBN 978-1-4160-3786-6, retrieved 2020-11-20
^ ^a ^b Wald, Samuel H.; Mendoza, Julianne; Mihm, Frederick G.; Coté, Charles J. (2019-01-01), Coté, Charles J.; Lerman, Jerrold; Anderson, Brian J. (eds.), "49 - Procedures for Vascular Access", A Practice of Anesthesia for Infants and Children (Sixth Edition), Philadelphia: Elsevier, pp. 1129–1145.e5, doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-42974-0.00049-5, ISBN 978-0-323-42974-0, S2CID 81592410, retrieved 2020-11-20
^ Beno, Suzanne; Nadel, Frances (2007-01-01), Zaoutis, Lisa B.; Chiang, Vincent W. (eds.), "Chapter 204 - Central Venous Access", Comprehensive Pediatric Hospital Medicine, Philadelphia: Mosby, pp. 1255–1257, doi:10.1016/b978-032303004-5.50208-8, ISBN 978-0-323-03004-5, retrieved 2020-11-20
^ ^a ^b ^c Sanders, RICHARD J. (2007-01-01), Bergan, John J. (ed.), "CHAPTER 53 - Subclavian Vein Obstruction: Techniques for Repair and Bypass", The Vein Book, Burlington: Academic Press, pp. 493–498, doi:10.1016/b978-012369515-4/50056-9, ISBN 978-0-12-369515-4, retrieved 2020-11-20