Upper Extremity Vascular Anatomy
Upper extremity DVT's make up approximately 6 percent of DVT's overall. The main cause for these embolisms is indwelling venous catheters. The main veins involved are the subclavian, axillary, and brachial. PICC lines can be attached at the median cubital or basilica vein, where an embolism can then travel to the axillary vein, and into the subclavian. From here it can enter the superior vena cava and into the heart and lungs.
PICC lines are inserted into the median cubital or basilic vein.
Central lines are primarily inserted into the subclavian vein, with direct access to the heart.
References
- Berube, Caroline. Zehnder, James L. (2013)“Catheter-induced upper extremity venous thrombosis. Retrieved from ”UpToDate."