Question 18

Describe the anatomy relevant to the cannulation of the left subclavian vein.

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College Answer

Understanding the anatomy of the subclavian is essential knowledge in intensive care practice. It was 
expected that candidates mention where it starts, where it ends, relationship to surrounding structures 
(in all directions, i.e. medial, lateral, anterior, posterior, etc.) and surface anatomy. In general, 
relationships and/or surface anatomy was either poorly understood or not mentioned.