[Medial approach to the proximal section of the vertebral artery]

An access to the initial portion of the vertebral artery which is distinguished by medial relative to the internal jugular vein approach to the subclavian-vertebral arterial segment is described. In its use in 34 patients, no complications which occur in conventional access with the lateral relative to the internal jugular vein approach (diaphragmatic nerve paresis, plexitis, injury to the thoracic duct) were noted.