thoracoacromial vein

The thoracoacromial vein is a vein that drains blood from the thoracoacromial region, encompassing the pectoral, shoulder, and clavicular areas, and empties into the axillary vein.

The thoracoacromial vein is located in the anterior shoulder and upper chest region, coursing with the thoracoacromial artery near the clavicle before joining the axillary vein in the axilla.

The thoracoacromial vein is involved in collecting and returning deoxygenated blood from the pectoral muscles, deltoid muscle, shoulder, and clavicular region to the axillary venous system.

Axillary vein thrombosis (Paget-Schroetter syndrome), shoulder surgery complications, or venous anomalies in the axillary region may be associated with the thoracoacromial vein.

The thoracoacromial vein may be assessed through Doppler ultrasound of the axillary and subclavian veins, CT or MRI venography of the shoulder girdle, or during surgical procedures in the axillary and clavicular regions.