CADAVERIC ANATOMY AND RELATIONSHIP OF PHRENIC NERVE AND SUBCLAVIAN VEIN

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Deep knowledge of anatomy is an essential part of surgical practice. Students of medical sciences gain knowledge and theoretical data through actual visualization of anatomic structures of the cadavers also anatomic relations can be studied more efficiently by practicing on cadavers. As phrenic nerve may be damaged during subclavian vein catheterization the relationship between the phrenic nerve and the subclavian vein is of clinical interest. During the subclavian vein catheterization analogous variable relationships are helpful to explain and prevent damage to the phrenic nerve.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Dissection was started from the root of the neck. No surgical scars, gross anatomical and morphological abnormalities was noted on the cadaver. Measurements were taken during the anatomical dissections.

 RESULTS: Of the 36 cadavers dissected in 34 (94.44%) cases phrenic nerve was found posterior to the subclavian vein and in 2(5.56%) cases found anterior to the subclavian vein of which one case was male and the other was female. In the male case in which phrenic nerve was passing anterior to the subclavian vein, it was adherent to the anterior wall of the subclavian vein and was nor piercing the vein wall.

CONCLUSION: The cannulating needle may damage the phrenic nerve which is adherent to the subclavian vein. So, the puncture site should be more laterally at the outermost portion of the subclavian vein. Anatomical variants during invasive practical procedures should be always kept in mind.

KEYWORDS: phrenic nerve, subclavian vein, phrenic nerve palsy, catheterization.