The superior thoracic artery is a small vessel and the only branch of the first part of the axillary artery. It supplies the upper anterior chest wall, including the first two intercostal spaces and the upper parts of the pectoral muscles and serratus anterior. It anastomoses with the internal thoracic and intercostal arteries.
| Origin | First part of the axillary artery near the lower border of subclavius |
|---|---|
| Course | Runs forward and medially above the upper border of pectoralis minor to the first and second intercostal spaces |
| Branches |
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Being small, the superior thoracic artery is rarely of clinical concern, but it can be injured in clavicle fractures, axillary surgery or infraclavicular line placement. Its anastomoses with the internal thoracic and posterior intercostal arteries form part of the collateral circulation around the shoulder and chest wall when the subclavian or axillary artery is narrowed.
Iatrogenic or traumatic injury during infraclavicular procedures or axillary surgery causing local haematoma, usually managed with pressure or ligation because of good collateral supply.
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