Right subclavian vein

Looks like

A large vein running under the collarbone, from the outer edge of the first rib to behind the collarbone's inner end.

What it does

Carries blood from the arm into the brachiocephalic vein, and receives lymph from the thoracic duct on the left.

Keeping it well

Used for central lines and pacemaker leads. A suddenly swollen, heavy, bluish arm after strain can be a clot here — see a doctor the same day.

Related conditions

• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Clotting disorders (thrombophilia & APS)
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Varicose veins