Which of the following veins is NOT typically ligated during a thyroidectomy?

In the context of a thyroidectomy, the focus is on the anatomical structures and vessels closely associated with the thyroid gland. During this surgical procedure, the thyroid veins, along with the lingual veins, may be managed either by ligation or careful dissection to prevent excessive bleeding.

The subclavian veins, however, are positioned much further from the surgical field of the thyroid gland. They are major vessels located beneath the clavicle, draining blood from the upper limbs into the heart. Since they do not directly interact with the surgical site of the thyroid gland, they are not typically involved in a thyroidectomy. The risk of ligating major vessels like the subclavian veins is significant and would have serious implications, making it clear why this vein is not targeted during the procedure.

The thyroid veins, maxillary veins, and lingual veins are part of the vascular anatomy that surgeons encounter during a thyroidectomy, thus risking ligation, whereas the subclavian veins remain outside the scope of the operation. This understanding reinforces why the subclavian veins are identified as the vein not typically ligated during a thyroidectomy.