Brachiocephalic vein
Vena brachiocephalica
Also known as: innominate vein
Each brachiocephalic vein is formed behind the sternal end of the clavicle by the union of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. The two brachiocephalic veins join behind the right first costal cartilage to form the superior vena cava.
Overview
The right brachiocephalic vein is short, about 2.5 cm, and runs almost vertically. The left brachiocephalic vein is longer, about 6 cm. It crosses obliquely to the right behind the manubrium, in front of the three branches of the aortic arch and above the arch itself. In children it can rise above the jugular notch, where it is at risk during tracheostomy.
The two veins unite behind the lower border of the right first costal cartilage to form the SVC. They have no valves.
Anatomy
- Tributaries
The vertebral, internal thoracic and inferior thyroid veins (the inferior thyroid veins usually join the left brachiocephalic vein). The left vein also receives the left superior intercostal vein, and both receive thymic, pericardiacophrenic and first posterior intercostal veins.
Function
- Collect blood from the head, neck and upper limbs and deliver it to the SVC.
Clinical significance
Surgical injury
The left brachiocephalic vein can be injured during sternotomy, thymectomy and mediastinal surgery, and in children during tracheostomy.
Compression
A thymoma, a retrosternal goitre or enlarged lymph nodes can compress the brachiocephalic veins. This causes swelling of the arm and face on one side, or SVC syndrome if both are affected.
Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Cardiovascular System sources. For education only; not medical advice.