If internal thoracic vein is single, it usually runs medial to the artery.

[5] The internal thoracic vein drains the chest wall and the breasts.

[1] Knowledge on the course of internal thoracic vein and artery is important during interventional procedures through the anterior chest wall such as biopsy and empyema drainage.

[6] Accidental placement of central venous catheter in the internal thoracic vein can cause pleural effusions, chest wall abscess, pulmonary edema, shortness of breath and chest pain.

[6] Internal thoracic vein runs just lateral to the sternum.