The brachial veins are paired deep veins that accompany the brachial artery through the upper arm, carrying deoxygenated blood from the forearm and hand back toward the heart. They merge with the basilic vein to form the axillary vein in the upper arm. During upper extremity venous duplex ultrasound, the brachial veins are systematically evaluated for compressibility, Doppler flow characteristics, and the presence of thrombus. Deep vein thrombosis in the brachial veins can occur in patients with central venous catheters, pacemaker wires, or conditions that predispose to clotting, and detection with ultrasound is essential for guiding anticoagulation treatment.
Sonography Term