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The clinical anatomy of the internal thoracic veins
open access
Abstract
The distance from the sternum to ITV gradually decreased as the vessel passed caudally; the diameter of the vessel similarly decreased along the vein`s caudal course. The frequent appearance of two concomitant veins on both sides of the thorax may offer the opportunity to reduce venous congestion by two vein anastomoses. More detailed knowledge of the anatomy of ITV may prove useful in planning surgical procedures in the anterior thorax in order to avoid unexpected bleeding.
Abstract
The distance from the sternum to ITV gradually decreased as the vessel passed caudally; the diameter of the vessel similarly decreased along the vein`s caudal course. The frequent appearance of two concomitant veins on both sides of the thorax may offer the opportunity to reduce venous congestion by two vein anastomoses. More detailed knowledge of the anatomy of ITV may prove useful in planning surgical procedures in the anterior thorax in order to avoid unexpected bleeding.
Keywords
internal thoracic vein; free tissue transfer; venous drainage of the sternum; venous arch; xiphoid process
Title
The clinical anatomy of the internal thoracic veins
Journal
Issue
Article type
Original article
Pages
25-32
Published online
2006-12-14
Page views
543
Article views/downloads
8574
Bibliographic record
Folia Morphol 2007;66(1):25-32.
Keywords
internal thoracic vein
free tissue transfer
venous drainage of the sternum
venous arch
xiphoid process
Authors
M. Loukas
M.S. Tobola
R.S. Tubbs
R.G. Jr Louis
M. Karapidis
I. Khan
G. Spentzouris
S. Linganna
B. Curry