[Direction of the course and changes in the cross-section of the subclavian vein depending on the positions of the shoulder].

Dental mold material was injected into the right subclavian veins of 10 human cadavers presenting six different positions of the right shoulder. By means of the so produced preparations the position of the subclavian vein was defined precisely in relation to the frontal plane. Besides that the direction of the first rib's groove for the subclavian vein was determined in 10 skeletons. The subclavian vein swerves slightly anterior arching over the first rib in an acute angle to the frontal plane. Cross sections of the preparations mentioned above were made and used for prints; thus the changes of the lumen in different shoulder positions could be clearly perceived. If the shoulder is lifted or pushed forward the subclavian vein expands; in upward-forward position of the shoulder the vein gains its maximum width. If the shoulder is lowered the subclavian vein is slightly constricted; if the shoulder is pushed back the vein is compressed to a minimum width. The significance of these: facts in regard to subclavian vein catheterization is discussed.