Use of the internal mammary vein for central venous access
Core, G.B.; Chaudhry, S.S.; Egozi, L.; Moideen, A.S.; Barman, A.A.
Surgery Gynecology and Obstetrics 171(4): 343-344
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0039-6087 PMID: 2218842 Document Number: 360158
We have reported two instances requiring long term central venous access in which the more traditional access sites were no longer available. The use of the internal mammary vein has made it possible to easily obtain central venous access in these patients without thoracotomy. Also, based on the anatomy, we believe this to be superior to the intercostal venous approach, since the passage of the catheter is more direct, thus, avoiding the acute azygous arch angle and cumbersome positioning.