Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
08:45
New Thrombectomy Technique for Total Portal Vein Thrombosis in Liver Transplantation
Published on: June 27, 2025
1.6K
The Superior Thalamic Vein and its Variations: A Proposed Classification
Christian Dorfer1, Farjad Khalaveh1, Ammar Mallouhi2
1Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Operative Neurosurgery (Hagerstown, Md.)
|October 4, 2017
Summary
The superior thalamic vein (STV) has diverse drainage patterns, differing from its original description. This study classifies STV variations based on CT angiography, revealing a wide range of anatomical presentations.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Vascular Anatomy
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- The superior thalamic vein (STV) was last comprehensively described in 1958.
- Historical descriptions predate modern imaging techniques like CT and MRI.
- The STV's detailed anatomy and variations have not been re-examined since.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the anatomical course and variations of the superior thalamic vein (STV).
- To establish a novel classification system for the STV based on its venous drainage patterns.
- To update the understanding of STV anatomy using contemporary imaging methods.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of CT angiography scans from 50 patients.
- Independent review of images by neurosurgeons and a neuroradiologist.
- Classification of STV drainage patterns into four distinct types.
Main Results:
- 96 superior thalamic veins (STVs) were identified in 50 patients.
- Type 1B (drainage into the posterior internal cerebral vein) was most common (48.9%).
- Variations included doubled STVs and drainage into various cerebral veins.
Conclusions:
- The draining pattern of the superior thalamic vein (STV) exhibits significant variability.
- A new classification system highlights diverse STV anatomical presentations.
- This study provides updated anatomical insights into the STV using CT angiography.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:20Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
367
The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
367
01:19Veins of Head and Neck
6.1K
The blood drainage from the head and neck is primarily managed by three pairs of veins: the external jugular, internal jugular, and vertebral veins. The external jugular veins drain superficial scalp and face structures, passing over the sternocleidomastoid muscles to empty into the subclavian veins.
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
6.1K
01:11Overview of Systemic Veins
1.4K
Systemic veins are crucial blood vessels that return deoxygenated blood from various body tissues back to the heart. There are three systemic veins that return deoxygenated blood to the heart, they are as follows.
The coronary sinus, the heart's principal vein, resides in the coronary sulcus on the heart's posterior aspect. This broad venous channel receives nearly all venous blood from the myocardium, the heart muscle. It is fed by three primary veins: the great cardiac vein, the...
The coronary sinus, the heart's principal vein, resides in the coronary sulcus on the heart's posterior aspect. This broad venous channel receives nearly all venous blood from the myocardium, the heart muscle. It is fed by three primary veins: the great cardiac vein, the...
1.4K
01:30Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
527
Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
527
01:29Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
395
Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
395
01:17Veins of Upper Limbs
4.6K
The human circulatory system, a marvel of biological engineering, is a complex network of vessels that transport blood throughout the body. Among these, the veins responsible for carrying blood from the upper limbs are divided into two categories: deep and superficial.
The deep venous system is primarily composed of the ulnar and radial veins. The ulnar vein, which drains the fingers through the superficial palmar venous arches, and the radial vein, which serves the palms via the deep palmar...
The deep venous system is primarily composed of the ulnar and radial veins. The ulnar vein, which drains the fingers through the superficial palmar venous arches, and the radial vein, which serves the palms via the deep palmar...
4.6K