Clinical and anatomical features of the lateral costal artery and vein

The lateral costal artery and vein are under recognized yet potentially important vessels for physicians, especially cardiothoracic surgeons. This study sought to determine the prevalence and clinical, anatomical, and radiological features of lateral costal vessels. We retrospectively analyzed lateral costal vessels based on intraoperative images in patients who underwent thoracic surgery at our institute between January 2016 and March 2020. Clinical data and surgical videos were analyzed for patient characteristics, prevalence, length, laterality, and additional anatomical and radiological features. The overall prevalence of lateral costal vessels was 19% and was significantly higher in males than females (22% vs. 14%, p = 0.003). The lateral costal vessels extended beyond the 2nd intercostal space in 74% of the cases, with differing length between the right and left sides in bilateral cases. Lateral costal vessels could be identified intraoperatively using indocyanine green or preoperatively through three-dimensional computed tomography. The prevalence of lateral costal vessels is relatively high and should be acknowledged by physicians prior to procedures involving the vessels.