Journal of vascular and interventional radiology : JVIR
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To determine whether the anatomic relationship between the subclavian vein (SCV) and the first rib is sufficiently constant to allow safe and reproducible fluoroscopically guided SCV puncture. ⋯ The SCV is reliably constant in its relation to the first rib. The first rib alone provides a reliable fluoroscopic marker for safe SCV access without the need for ultrasound guidance or peripheral contrast material administration.