Brachial vein
The deep vein on the upper arm is called the brachial vein ("arm vein") . It is continued in the deep axillary vein ( Vena axillaris ) and the deep subclavian vein ( Vena subclavia ). The brachial vein, together with the basilica and cephalic vein, ensure the return of venous blood from the hand and arm to the central veins and the right heart.
The basilic vein shows a very similar course to the brachial vein. However, this vein runs superficially in the subcutaneous fatty tissue.
course
The course of the brachial vein varies from person to person. It is not uncommon for the vessel to be double. It starts in the crook of the elbow and ends in the armpit. It closely accompanies the brachial artery . The median nerve also runs in the immediate vicinity of the brachial vein.
From the forearm forth the united Vena radialis , the vena ulnaris and other smaller veins in the medial Ellbeuge the brachial vein. The border with the axillary vein in the armpit cannot be drawn sharply and is not anatomically defined.
Investigation options
The brachial vein runs as a deep vein between the muscles and is neither recognizable nor palpable from the outside. The pulse of the artery, however, shows its immediate proximity.
Today, ultrasound with color Doppler is the easiest way to examine the vessel. This method makes it easy to examine the entire course of the vessel. Venous valves and the blood flow can be displayed. A thrombosis of the vessel can be excluded by compression . The side comparison is helpful.
Arm vein phlebography is the older method . In this case, contrast agent is injected into a vein in the arm and the process via the veins to the heart is observed under fluoroscopy and documented as an X-ray image. The method is a little more complex, but also very informative.