The new surface landmarks for blind axillary vein puncture

Abstract Objective: To compare the efficacy of blind axillary vein puncture utilizing the new surface landmarks for the subclavian method. Methods: This prospective and randomized study was performed at two cardiology medical centers in East China. Five hundred thirty-eight patients indicated to undergo left-sided pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation were enrolled, 272 patients under the axillary access and 266 patients under the subclavian approach. A new superficial landmark was used for the axillary venous approach, whereas conventional landmarks were used for the subclavian venous approach. We measured lead placement time and X-ray time from vein puncture until all leads were placed in superior vena cava. Meanwhile, the rate of success of lead placement and the type and incidence of complications were compared between the two groups. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in baseline characteristics or number of leads implanted. There were high success rates for both strategies (98.6% [494/501] vs. 98.4% [479/487], P=0.752) and similar complication rates (14% [38/272] vs. 15% [40/266], P=0.702). Six cases in the control group developed subclavian venous crush syndrome and five had pneumothorax, while neither pneumothorax nor subclavian venous crush syndrome was observed in the experimental group. Conclusion: We have developed a new blind approach to cannulate the axillary vein, which is as effective as the subclavian access, safer than that, and also allows to get this vein without the guidance of fluoroscopy, contrast, or echography.

Síndrome de Paget-Schrötter: presentación de cuatro casos / Paget-Schrötter syndrome: presentation of four cases

La trombosis venosa profunda (TVP) del miembro superior es una entidad poco frecuente, se estima que representa el 10% de todos los casos de TVP. Clásicamente se clasifican en primarias (idiopáticas, por compresión de la vena subclavia o relacionadas con el ejercicio) y secundarias (cáncer, trombofilia, traumatismo, cirugía del hombro, asociadas a catéteres venosos o de causa hormonal). El síndrome de Paget- Schrötter es una trombosis primaria de la vena subclavia en la unión subclavio-axilar, ya sea por movimientos repetitivos o relacionada al ejercicio; llevando a microtrauma en el endotelio con la consiguiente activación de la cascada de coagulación. Clínicamente se presenta de forma brusca con dolor, edema y sensación de pesadez en el miembro afectado. El tratamiento varía desde trombolíticos y anticoagulación a la intervención quirúrgica, dependiendo del tiempo de evolución. Presentamos cuatro casos de trombosis de vena subclavia relacionada con el ejercicio.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the upper limb is a rare entity, estimated to account for 10% of all cases of DVT. Classically, they are classified into primary (idiopathic, due to subclavian vein compression or exercise related) and secondary (cancer, thrombophilia, trauma, shoulder surgery, associated to venous catheters or due to hormonal causes). The Paget- Schrötter syndrome is a primary thrombosis of the subclavian vein in the subclavian-axillary junction, related either to repetitive movements or to exercise; leading to microtrauma in the endothelium with consequent activation of the coagulation cascade. Clinically, it presents abruptly with pain, edema and feeling of heaviness in the affected limb. The treatment varies from thrombolytics and anticoagulation to surgical intervention, depending on the time of evolution. We present four cases of exercise-related subclavian vein thrombosis.

Axillary nerve neurotization by a triceps motor branch: comparison between axillary and posterior arm approaches / Neurotização do nervo axilar por um ramo do tríceps: comparação entre acesso axilar e posterior

ABSTRACT Objectives: This study is aimed at comparing the functional outcome of axillary nerve neurotization by a triceps motor branch through the axillary approach and posterior arm approach. Methods: The study included 27 patients with post-traumatic brachial plexus injury treated with axillary nerve neurotization by a triceps motor branch for functional recovery of shoulder abduction and external rotation. The patients were retrospectively evaluated and two groups were identified, one with 13 patients undergoing axillary nerve neurotization by an axillary approach and the second with 14 patients using the posterior arm approach. Patients underwent assessment of muscle strength using the scale recommended by the British Medical Research Council, preoperatively and 18 months postoperatively, with useful function recovery considered as grade M3 or greater. Results: In the axillary approach group, 76.9% of patients achieved useful abduction function recovery and 69.2% achieved useful external rotation function recovery. In the group with posterior arm approach, 71.4% of patients achieved useful abduction function recovery and 50% achieved useful external rotation function recovery. The difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (p = 1.000 for the British Medical Research Council abduction scale and p = 0.440 for external rotation). Conclusion: According to the British Medical Research Council grading, axillary nerve neurotization with a triceps motor branch using axillary approach or posterior arm approach shows no statistical differences.

RESUMO Objetivos: Comparar o resultado funcional da neurotização do nervo axilar por um ramo motor do tríceps através do acesso axilar e do acesso posterior. Métodos: Foram incluídos no estudo 27 pacientes com lesão pós-traumática de plexo braquial submetidos à neurotização do nervo axilar por um ramo motor do tríceps para recuperação funcional do ombro de 2010 a 2014. Os pacientes foram avaliados e dois grupos foram identificados, um com 13 pacientes submetidos a neurotização do nervo axilar por um acesso axilar e o segundo com 14 pacientes nos quais foi usada a via de acesso posterior. Os pacientes foram submetidos a avaliação da força muscular com a escala preconizada pelo British Medical Research Council (BMRC) no pré-operatório e com 18 meses de pós-operatório, foi considerada força motora efetiva graduação M3 ou maior. Resultados: No grupo que fez o acesso axilar, 76,9% dos pacientes obtiveram força motora efetiva de abdução e 69,2% de rotação externa. Já no grupo com acesso posterior, 71,4% dos pacientes conseguiram força motora efetiva de abdução e 50% de rotação externa. A diferença entre os dois grupos não foi estatisticamente significante (p = 1,000 para escala BMRC de abdução e p = 0,440 para rotação externa). Conclusão: Na avaliação da graduação de força na escala BRMC, o uso do acesso axilar para neurotização de um ramo motor do tríceps para o nervo axilar não apresenta diferenças estatísticas em relação ao uso do acesso posterior.

Reduction mammoplasty as a treatment for symptomatic central venous stenosis

Central venous stenosis is a rare cause of unilateral breast edema occurring in hemodialysis patients that needs to be differentiated from other differential diagnoses, including, but not limited to, inflammatory breast carcinoma, mastitis, lymphedema, and congestive heart failure. All reports of similar cases in the available literature have described improvement or resolution of the edema after treatment. Herein, we report and discuss the pathophysiology of breast edema formation in a patient who presented with massive left-sided breast edema 7 years after being diagnosed with central venous stenosis. Medical and minimally invasive therapy had not been successful, so she underwent reduction mammoplasty to relieve the symptoms.

Two Cases of Transhepatic Implantation of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device: All Roads lead to Rome

Lead insertion for cardiac implantable electronic devices requires venous access into the right side of the heart. The access route commonly used is from the axillary vein, through the subclavian vein and the superior vena cava. However, in patients with congenital heart malformations or those with vascular stenosis, and/or those who have undergone previous cardiac surgery, the passage of leads might be difficult, and the implantation procedure would show restricted scope. In such cases, insertion of leads through the hepatic vein is known to be a safe procedure. We report 2 cases of patients with limited vascular access who underwent lead implantation using the transhepatic approach—1 patient who underwent placement of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator and the other who underwent placement of a permanent pacemaker.

Anatomical study of the accessory axillary vein in cadavers: a contribution to the axillary surgical approach / Estudo anatômico da veia axilar acessória em cadáveres: uma contribuição à abordagem cirúrgica axilar

Abstract Background The axillary vein is an important blood vessel that participates in drainage of the upper limb. Some individuals present a second axillary vein (accessory axillary vein), which is an important collateral drainage path. Objectives The goal of this study was to determine the incidence of the accessory axillary vein and to describe this vessel’s topography. Methods In this study, axillary dissections were carried out on twenty-four (24) human cadavers of both sexes that had been fixed with 10% formaldehyde. The upper limbs of the cadavers were still attached to the bodies and the axillary structures were preserved. Data collection was carried out and the axillary structures of the cadavers were compared. Results The incidence of accessory axillary veins was 58.3%, with no significant preference for sex or for side of the body. The accessory axillary vein originated from the lateral brachial vein in 39.28% of cases, from the common brachial vein in 35.71% of cases, and from the deep brachial vein in 25% of cases. Conclusions Its high incidence and clinical relevance make the accessory axillary vein important for provision of collateral circulation in the event of traumatic injury to the axillary vein.

Resumo Contexto A veia axilar é um importante vaso que participa da drenagem sanguínea do membro superior. Porém, em alguns indivíduos, é observada uma segunda veia axilar, denominada veia axilar acessória, que é uma notável via de drenagem colateral. Objetivos O objetivo desta pesquisa foi observar a prevalência da veia axilar acessória, bem como descrever a topografia desse vaso. Métodos Neste estudo foram realizadas dissecações das axilas em 24 cadáveres humanos fixados em formaldeído 10%, de ambos os sexos, que apresentavam os membros superiores articulados ao tronco e com as estruturas axilares preservadas. A coleta de dados foi realizada e as estruturas axilares dos cadáveres foram comparadas. Resultados Foi encontrada uma prevalência de 58,3% de veias axilares acessórias, não havendo predileção significativa por gênero nem por lado acometido. Também foi observado que, em 39,28% dos casos, a veia acessória era originada a partir da veia braquial lateral, em 35,71% a partir da veia braquial comum, e em 25% a partir da veia braquial profunda. Conclusão Devido à sua alta prevalência e relevância clínica, a veia axilar acessória também assume grande importância no tocante à circulação colateral diante de lesão traumática da veia axilar.

Vascular access: the impact of ultrasonography / Acesso vascular: o impacto da ultrassonografia

ABSTRACT Vascular punctures are often necessary in critically ill patients. They are secure, but not free of complications. Ultrasonography enhances safety of the procedure by decreasing puncture attempts, complications and costs. This study reviews important publications and the puncture technique using ultrasound, bringing part of the experience of the intensive care unit of the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo (SP), Brazil, and discussing issues that should be considered in future studies.

RESUMO Punções vasculares são muitas vezes necessárias em pacientes gravemente enfermos. São seguras, mas não isentas de complicações. A ultrassonografia associada à técnica de punção gera diminuição do número de tentativas, de complicações e de custos. O presente artigo revisou importantes publicações sobre o tema, bem como técnicas de punções, trazendo parte da experiência do centro de terapia intensiva de adultos do Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, em São Paulo (SP) e discutindo tópicos que devem ser melhor explorados em estudos futuros.

Optimized Axillary Vein Technique versus Subclavian Vein Technique in Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device Implantation: A Randomized Controlled Study / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The conventional venous access for cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) is the subclavian vein, which is often accompanied by high complication rate. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of optimized axillary vein technique.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 247 patients undergoing CIED implantation were included and assigned to the axillary vein group or the subclavian vein group randomly. Success rate of puncture and complications in the perioperative period and follow-ups were recorded.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The overall success rate (95.7% vs. 96.0%) and one-time success rate (68.4% vs. 66.1%) of punctures were similar between the two groups. In the subclavian vein group, pneumothorax occurred in three patients. The subclavian gaps of three patients were too tight to allow operation of the electrode lead. In contrast, there were no puncture-associated complications in the axillary vein group. In the patient follow-ups, two patients in the subclavian vein group had subclavian crush syndrome and both of them received lead replacement. The incidence of complications during the perioperative period and follow-ups of the axillary vein group and the subclavian vein group was 1.6% (2/125) and 8.2% (10/122), respectively (χ2 = 5.813, P = 0.016).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Optimized axillary vein technique may be superior to the conventional subclavian vein technique for CIED lead placement.</p><p><b>TRIAL REGISTRATION</b>www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02358551; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02358551?term=NCT02358551& rank=1.</p>

A rare case of persistent jugulocephalic vein and its clinical implication / 대한해부학회지

Persistence of jugulocephalic vein is one of the extremely rare variations of the cephalic vein. Knowledge of such a variation is of utmost importance to orthopedic surgeons while treating the fractures of the clavicle, head and neck surgeons, during surgery of the lower part of neck, for cardiothoracic surgeons and radiologists during catheterization and cardiac device placement. We report the persistent jugulocephalic vein in an adult male cadaver, observed during the routine dissection classes. The right cephalic vein ascended upwards, superficial to the lateral part of the clavicle and terminated into the external jugular vein. It also gave a communicating branch to the axillary vein below the clavicle. We discuss the embryological and clinical importance of this rare variation.

Ultrasonografic changes in the axillary vein of patients with lymphedema after mastectomy / As alterações ultrassonográficas na veia axilar de portadoras de linfedema pós-mastectomia

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of sonographic abnormalities (SA) in the axillary vein of patients with and without post-mastectomy lymphedema. METHODS: We studied a sample of 80 women, divided into two equal groups, with and without lymphedema, with B mode ultrasound, color and pulsed Doppler. The primary variable, SA, is defined as change in the venous diameter, parietal thickening, intraluminal images, compressibility, parietal collapse at inspiration and feature of the axillary venous flow on the operated side. Secondary variables were: stage of lymphedema, surgical technique, number of radio and chemotherapy sessions, limb volume, weight and age. The differences between the proportions in the groups were determined using the Chi-square test and / or Fisher's test. For continuous variables, we used the Mann-Whitney Test. To estimate the magnitude of the associations, we used the prevalence rate of SA in both groups as a measure of frequency, and as a measure of association, the prevalence ratio (PR) obtained as a function of relative risk (RR) and estimated by the test Mantel-Haenszel homogeneity test. We adopted the statistical significance level of 5% (p < 0.05). RESULTS: only the criterion "parietal thickening" was strongly associated with the lymphedema group (p = 0.001). The prevalence of SA was 55% in patients with lymphedema and 17.5% in the group without it, with difference in prevalence of 37.5%. CONCLUSION: the prevalence of SA was higher in patients undergoing mastectomy with lymphedema than in those without lymphedema.

OBJETIVO: Verificar se existe prevalência de alterações ultrassonográficas (AUS) na veia axilar de pacientes portadoras e não portadoras de linfedema do membro superior pós-mastectomia. MÉTODOS:uma amostra de 80 mulheres, alocadas em dois grupos iguais, com e sem linfedema foi estudada com ultrassonografia modo B, Doppler colorido e pulsado. A variável primária AUS foi definida como: alteração do diâmetro venoso, espessamento parietal, imagens intraluminares, compressibilidade, colapso parietal à inspiração e característica do fluxo venoso axilar no lado operado. Como variáveis secundárias: estádio do linfedema, técnica operatória, número de sessões de radio e quimioterapia, volume do membro, peso e idade. As diferenças entre as proporções nos grupos foram verificadas com o teste qui-quadrado de Pearson e/ou exato de Fisher. Para variáveis contínuas usamos o teste de Mann-Whitney. Para estimar a magnitude das associações utilizou-se como medida de frequência a prevalência de AUS em ambos os grupos e como medida de associação, a razão de prevalência (RP) obtida em função do risco relativo (RR) e estimada por meio do teste de homogeneidade de Mantel-Haenszel. Adotou-se o nível de significância estatístico de 5% (pd"0,05). RESULTADOS:somente o critério "espessamento parietal" se relacionou fortemente com o grupo com linfedema (p=0,001). A prevalência de AUS foi 55% no grupo com linfedema e 17,5% no grupo sem linfedema, com diferença de prevalências de 37,5%. CONCLUSÃO:a prevalência de AUS foi maior nas pacientes submetidas à mastectomia e com linfedema do que naquelas sem linfedema.

Compression of Brachial Vein between Two Lateral Roots of Median Nerve -A Case Report

During gross anatomy dissection, variation in the formation of median nerve of the upper limb was discovered in the right upper extremity of a 57-year-old male cadaver. Three roots contributed to the formation of median nerve instead of usual two roots i.e. two lateral roots and one medial root. After being formed the median nerve descended medial to the axillary artery. Between the two lateral roots brachial vein passed to open into the axillary vein. Anatomical variations in the formation of nerves and their unusual relationship to the surrounding structures can be the cause of nerve compression syndromes and vascular problems.

Short Axillary Vein and an Axillary Venous Ladder Formed by Basilic and Brachial Veins – An Anatomical and Clinical Perspective

Knowledge of anatomic variants of veins in the arm and axilla play a key role in planning of successful venous access. Possible anatomic variants of axillary vein, brachial vein and basilic vein and their clinical implications have been well described in the literature. We report a rare case of formation of a short axillary vein associated with complex venous communications between the basilic and brachial veins forming a venous ladder in the axilla, in formalin embalmed male cadaver. Axillary vein was formed in the upper part of the axilla by the fusion of basilic vein and unpaired brachial vein, and it was about 3cm in length. The higher-up confluence of basilic and brachial veins was also associated with presence of three communicating veins between the basilic and brachial veins in the axilla. Knowledge of reported venous variations is very useful during preoperative venous mapping and also for planning and execution of various surgical invasive procedures involving these veins.

Brachial Plexus Injury Caused by Indwelling Axillary Venous Pacing Leads

A 64-year-old male patient underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device implantation via the axillary venous approach. Two weeks later, the patient started complaining of "electric shock-like" pain in the left axillary area. During physical examination, typical pain in the left axillary area was reproduced whenever his left shoulder was passively abducted more than 60 degrees. Fluoroscopic examination showed that the left ventricle (LV) and right atrium (RA) leads were positioned at an acute angle directing towards the left brachial plexus whenever the patient's shoulder was passively abducted. Brachial plexus irritation by the angulated CRT leads was strongly suspected. To relieve the acute angulation, we had to adjust the entry site of the LV and RA leads from the distal to the proximal axillary vein using the cut-down method. After successful lead repositioning, the neuropathic pain improved rapidly. Although transvenous pacing lead-induced nerve injury is not a frequent complication, this possibility should be kept in mind by the operators.

Plexo braquial y vaina axilar: variante anatómica y su importancia clinica / Brachial Plexus & Axillary Sheath: Anatomical variants and their clinical importance

El éxito de la técnica anestésica del bloqueo del plexo braquial a nivel axilar radica en el conocimiento de la localización de cada uno de sus nervios periféricos o terminales, pero sobre todo, la relación que guardan los cordones lateral, medial y posterior con la arteria y vena axilar dentro de la vaina axilar. En el laboratorio de anatomía macroscópica humana de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras en el Valle de Sula (UNAH-VS) encontramos dos variantes anatómicas de los componentes del plexo braquial en su relación circundando la arteria axilar. La primera variante se encontró al disecar el miembro superior derecho, en este, la arteria axilar se localiza anterior al nervio mediano emergiendo entre los ramos lateral y medial constitutivos de éste. La segunda variante se encontró al disecar el miembro superior izquierdo del mismo cadáver en el cual, la arteria axilar se localiza completamente anterior. Es por esto que se recomienda tener presente la existencia de estas variantes anatómicas para tener éxito al momento de realizar un bloqueo del plexo braquial a nivel axilar...(AU)

Endovascular repair of traumatic arteriovenous fistula between axillary artery and vein / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

Traumatic arteriovenous fistula between the axillary artery and vein may present a difficult problem in treatment. There are few reports demonstrating the endovascular repair of this challenge. Herein, we present such a case of endovascular repair of traumatic arteriovenous fistula between the axillary artery and vein with false aneurysm formation. The patient was discharged 11 days after successful operation. Oral clopidogrel and aspirin were administered for 18 months. At one year follow-up, the patient was in good condition and showed no evidence of neurological deficit in the left upper limb.

Topographic pattern of the brachial plexus at the axillary fossa through real-time ultrasonography in Koreans / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The ability to explore the anatomy has improved our appreciation of the brachial anatomy and the quality of regional anesthesia. Using real-time ultrasonography, we investigated the cross-sectional anatomy of the brachial plexus and of vessels at the axillary fossa in Koreans. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-one patients scheduled to undergo surgery in the region below the elbow were enrolled after giving their informed written consent. Using the 5-12 MHz linear probe of an ultrasound system, we examined cross-sectional images of the brachial plexus in the supine position with the arm abducted by 90degrees, the shoulder externally rotated, and the forearm flexed by 90degrees at the axillary fossa. The results of the nerve positions were expressed on a 12-section pie chart and the numbers of arteries and veins were reported. RESULTS: Applying gentle pressure to prevent vein collapse, the positions of the nerves changed easily and showed a clockwise order around the axillary artery (AA). The most frequent positions were observed in the 10-11 section (79.2%) for the median, 1-2 section (79.3%) for the ulnar, 3-5 section (78.4%) for the radial, and 8-9 section (86.9%) for the musculocutaneous nerve. We also noted anatomical variations consisting of double arteries (9.2%) and multiple axillary veins (87%). CONCLUSIONS: Using real-time ultrasonography, we found that the anatomical pattern of the major nerves in Koreans was about 80% of the frequent position of individual nerves, 90.8% of the single AA, and 87% of multiple veins around the AA.

Alterações venosas e linfáticas em mulheres com linfedema após linfadenectomia axilar no tratamento do câncer de mama / Venous and lymphatic alterations in women with lymphedema after axillary lymphadenectomy in breast cancer treatment

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as alterações do sistema venoso axilo-subclávio e do sistema linfático em mulheres com linfedema após linfadenectomia axilar para o tratamento do câncer de mama. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo de série de casos, envolvendo 11 mulheres com linfedema unilateral de membro superior após linfadenectomia axilar para o tratamento do câncer de mama. O estudo foi realizado em hospital universitário do Brasil Central no período compreendido entre os meses de março de 2010 e março de 2011. Avaliou-se a presença de alterações venosas nas veias subclávia e axilar, por meio do exame de ultrassonografia com dopplervelocimetria, e de alterações linfáticas, pela linfocintilografia, em ambos os membros superiores. O teste Exato de Fisher foi utilizado na comparação entre os membros. RESULTADOS: No membro superior com linfedema, detectou-se diferença significativa na veia subclávia, em relação ao membro contralateral, quanto ao volume do fluxo (p<0,001), sendo que 54,6% das mulheres apresentaram fluxo aumentado. Já, na veia axilar, 45,4% apresentaram fluxo aumentado e 45,4% reduzido, com diferença significante (p<0,01) na comparação entre os membros. Também foram observadas alterações linfáticas significativas (p<0,05), em relação ao membro contralateral, representadas pelo trajeto do vaso (não visibilizado), número de vasos linfáticos (nenhum), linfonodos axilares (ausentes) e refluxo dérmico (presente). No membro superior contralateral sem linfedema, não foram encontradas alterações venosas ou linfáticas. CONCLUSÃO: As mulheres submetidas à linfadenectomia axilar para o tratamento do câncer de mama apresentam tanto alterações venosas quanto linfáticas no membro superior com linfedema.

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in the venous axillary-subclavian and lymphatic systems of women with lymphedema after axillary lymphadenectomy for breast cancer treatment. METHODS: This was a case series involving 11 women with unilateral upper limb lymphedema after axillary lymphedenectomy for the treatment of breast cancer. The study was carried out in the Mastology Program of the Clinical Hospital of the Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, during the period between March 2010 and March 2011. Doppler velocimetry ultrasonography was used to detect the presence of venous changes in the subclavian and axillary veins. Lymphatic changes were evaluated by lymphoscintigraphy in both upper limbs. Fisher's exact test was used for the comparison between limbs. RESULTS: Subclavian vein flow volume in the upper limb with lymphedema was significantly different from that in the contralateral limb (p<0.001), 54.6% of the women had increased flow. In the axillary vein, 45.4% had increased flow and 45.4% had decreased flow, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.01) between limbs. Compared to the contralateral limb, significant lymphatic changes (p<0.05) were also found in the vessel route (not visualized), number of lymphatic vessels (none), axillary lymph nodes (absent) and dermal reflux (present). In the contralateral upper limb without lymphedema, no venous or lymphatic alterations were encountered. CONCLUSION: The women subjected to axillary lymphadenectomy for the treatment of breast cancer presented both venous and lymphatic changes in the upper limb with lymphedema.

Rare multiple variations in brachial plexus and related structures in the left upper limb of a Dravidian male cadaver / 대한해부학회지

Anatomical variations of the nerves, muscles, and vessels in the upper limb have been described in many anatomical studies; however, the occurrence of 6 variations in an ipsilateral limb is very rare. These variations occur in the following structures: the pectoralis minimus muscle, the communication between the external jugular vein and cephalic vein, axillary arch, the Struthers ligament, the medial, lateral, and posterior cords of the brachial plexus, and the common arterial trunk from the third part of the axillary artery. The relationship of these variations to each other and their probable clinical presentation is discussed.

Perforation of axillary vein by a branch of the axillary artery: an anatomical study / Perforación de la vena axilar por una rama de la arteria axilar: un estudio anatómico

Anatomical variations in the region of axilla and pectoral region are very common. These variations need attention to avoid complications arising during surgeries and diagnostic and interventional invasive procedures in this region such as surgeries for breast carcinoma, venous access during central venous line, pacemaker and cardiac defibrillator implantation etc. During routine cadaveric dissection we had noticed a rare variation of axillary vein and artery. In this case axillary vein, just deep to the inferior border of pectoralis minor was pierced by the lateral thoracic artery, a branch of axillary artery. Perforation of the axillary vein by a branch of the axillary artery is extremely rare variation encountered till now. We report a variation wherein the lateral thoracic artery a branch of the second part of axillary artery was unusually long and perforated the axillary vein, just posterior to the inferior border of pectoralis minor muscle before supplying the structures in the anterolateral chest wall. Histological findings revealed duplication of lumen at the site of perforation through which the lateral thoracic artery was passing and the surrounding area was sealed by the connective tissue. Sound knowledge of anatomy of axillary and pectoral region may help in reducing complications while doing surgical and diagnostic procedure in these regions.

Las variaciones anatómicas en las regiones axilar y pectoral son muy comunes. Estas variaciones necesitan atención para evitar las complicaciones que surgen durante las cirugías y los procedimientos invasivos de diagnóstico e intervención en esta región, tales como cirugía de cáncer mamario, acceso venoso para una vía venosa central, implantación de marcapasos y desfibrilador, etc. Durante una disección de rutina se evidenció una variación poco frecuente de la vena axilar y arteria axilar. Se presenta una variación en que la arteria torácica lateral, rama de la segunda parte de la arteria axilar, inusualmente larga, perforaba la vena axilar, justo por detrás del margen inferior del músculo pectoral menor, antes de irrigar a las estructuras de la pared torácica anterolateral. La histológía reveló la duplicación del lumen en el sitio de perforación a través del cual pasa la arteria torácica lateral, que periféricamente fue sellada por tejido conectivo. La perforación de la vena axilar por una rama de la arteria axilar es una variación que raramente se observa, por eso un buen nivel de conocimientos de la anatomía de las regiones axilar y pectoral puede ayudar a reducir las complicaciones cuando se realizan procedimientos quirúrgicos y de diagnóstico en estas regiones.

El ganglio centinela en el cáncer de mama precoz / Sentinel node in early breast cancer

Presentar nuestra experiencia en utilización del ganglio centinela en cáncer de mama precoz. Entre mayo 1998 y julio 1999 realizamos la identificación del ganglio centinela utilizando azul de isosulfán en 40 pacientes con carcinoma mamario, todos ganglios clínicamente negativos. El ganglio centinela fue determinado en 28 casos (70%), siendo positivo en 8 (36,4%). Desde agosto1999 - abril 2011, realizamos determinación del ganglio centinela mediante técnica combinada Linfazurín® 1% y/oazul patente 3% + 99m Tc (1 500 mCi 12 horas antes de la intervención 733/726 pacientes, todos axila clínicamente negativa. 5 falsos negativos (22,7%).Últimos 15 casos porcentaje de detección subió 73,3% falsos negativos solo 9,1%. La identificación fue posible solo con azul en 702/733 (95,67%) y solo con 99mTc en720 (98,22%) y en 728/733 (99,32%) al combinarlos. En cinco (0,68%) no fue posible localizar el ganglio centinela por ninguno de los dos métodos. Axila fue positiva en 175/733 casos (23,87%), siendo el centinela el único ganglio positivo en 84 (48%), micro-metástasis 42/175 casos (24%). 10 falsos negativos en 175 axilas positivas (5,71%). Sensibilidad del procedimiento combinado es 92,3% con especificidad 100%. Valor predictivo positivo 100% negativo 97,05%. Factores pronósticos más importantes para ganglio positivo fueron grado nuclear, invasión linfovascular. La combinación de azul con 99m Tc es idónea con alta sensibilidad y especificidad del procedimiento

Present our experience in utilization of sentinel lymph node in early breast cancer. We realized identification of sentinel lymph node utilized isosulfan blue in 40 patients with breast cancer, all of them with nodes clinical negative between May of 1998 to July1999. The sentinel lymph node was determinate in 28 cases (70%) it was positive 8 (36.4%). Until August 1999 - April 2011 realized the sentinel lymph node determination with combined technique Linfazurin 1% blue patent 3% + 99mTc(1500 mCi 12 hours before intervention. 733/726 patients with clinical negative axillaries. 5 negative false (22.7%). Last 15 cases percentile of detection was increased 73.3% negative false only 9.1%. Identification were possible only with blue 702/733 cases (95.67%) only with 99m Tc in 720 (98.22%) in 728/733 when combined both. Five (0.68%) was not possible localization of sentinel forany of two methods. The axils were positive 175/733 cases (23.87%) only positive node was the sentinel in 84 (48%), micro metastases 42/175 s (24%). 10 negative falser 175 positives axillaries (5.71%). The sensitive of combined procedure was 92.3% with specificity 100%. Predictive positive value was 100% negative 97.05%. Prognostic factors more important positive nodule were nuclear grade, and lymphatic vascular invasion. The combination of blue with 99m Tc is a procedure with high sensitive and specificity