Variant communication of phrenic nerve in neck.

PURPOSE: Variations of the phrenic nerve gain importance in the context of subclavian vein cannulation, implanted venous access portals and supraclavicular nerve block for regional anaesthesia. Some of the variations of phrenic nerve are very common and may have implications even while performing very simple and routine procedures.

METHODS: During routine dissection in the Department of Anatomy, an anatomical variation was observed in the course of the phrenic nerve in an adult male cadaver.

RESULTS: On the right side, phrenic nerve in its early course in the neck, close to its origin was giving a communicating branch to the upper trunk of the brachial plexus. Further course of the phrenic nerve was typical. On the left side, no such communication between phrenic nerve and brachial plexus was observed.

CONCLUSIONS: A thorough knowledge of the anatomical variations and standard anatomy of phrenic nerve is a necessity for the safe and efficient practice of regional anaesthesia.