Anatomy - Implantation of a tunneled, double-lumen atrial catheter in the right internal jugular vein for hemodialysis

The venous drainage of the head and neck occurs through a superficial and deep venous system. Both systems converge in the so-called venous angle (Angulus venosus) to form the brachiocephalic vein and empty into the superior vena cava.

V. jugularis externa

• runs in the lateral cervical triangle covered by the platysma
• passes through the superficial lamina of the cervical fascia
• empties into the venous angle or previously into the V. jugularis interna and then into the V. cava superior

V. jugularis anterior

• usually runs on the M. sternocleidomastoideus
• empties into the venous angle or into the V. jugularis externa