Right axillary artery isolation

A horizontal skin incision is made ∼2 cm below the outer third of the clavicle, then the pectoralis major muscle and the clavipectoral fascia are incised, exposing the pectoralis minor muscle which can be retracted or divided. The axillary artery lies superiorly and posteriorly to the vein: palpation and exposition of the vessel are completed by isolation and mobilization.