Vascular Anatomy of Central and Peripheral Veins

Abstract

Any practitioner dealing with a vascular access device requires a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the anatomy of the venous system. For central venous access, catheters are most frequently inserted into the internal jugular vein or subclavian vein, but a wide variety of other options exists when these vessels cannot be used. The external jugular vein of the neck, cephalic and basilic veins of the upper limb, and the posterior intercostal veins of the thorax can also be used to access the superior vena cava which leads to the right atrium of the heart. The femoral vein is another route used to access the inferior vena cava which also leads to the right atrium. Other vessels that provide access to the inferior vena cava include the inferior epigastric vein, gonadal vein, and long saphenous vein. This chapter outlines the anatomy of the central and peripheral venous system with an emphasis on the commonly used routes for venous access.