Importancia del sitio de terminación de la vena cefálica del antebrazo / Importance of the cephalic antebrachial vein termination site

RESUMEN: Las venas superficiales de la fosa cubital se han estudiado con varios fines, venopunciones, cateterismos, fístulas, entre otros. Se han descrito varios patrones venosos en esta región en diferentes poblaciones. En uno de estos la vena cefálica termina en la vena basílica a nivel del antebrazo generando posibles riesgos de lesiones durante la canalización. En el presente estudio se evaluaron 200 miembros superiores de 100 personas colombianas, 50 mujeres y 50 hombres, 70 de ellas nacidas en la ciudad de Bucaramanga y 30 en la ciudad de Villavicencio. Se registró el número de venas cefálicas y su sitio de terminación, en el brazo o antebrazo. El patrón venoso que predominó en ambos miembros superiores fue el tipo I. El patrón IV en el cual la vena cefálica termina en la vena basílica se presentó en 12 casos (6 %) en el miembro superior derecho y en 17 casos (8,5 %) en el miembro superior izquierdo. Se encontró dos venas cefálicas entre el 13 % y 13,5 % dependiendo del lado y tres venas cefálicas entre el 1 % y 2 %. Conocer esta particularidad de los patrones venosos podría disminuir el riesgo de complicaciones durante la venopunción.

SUMMARY: The superficial veins of the ulnar fossa have been studied for various purposes, venipuncture, catheterization, fistulae, among others. Various venous patterns have been described in this region in different populations. In one of these, the cephalic vein ends in the basilic vein at the level of the forearm, generating possible risks of injury during cannulation. In the present study, 200 upper limbs of 100 Colombians, 50 women and 50 men, were evaluated, 70 of them born in the city of Bucaramanga and 30 in the city of Villavicencio. The number of cephalic veins and their termination site, on the arm or forearm, were recorded. The venous pattern that predominated in both upper limbs was type I. Pattern IV in which the cephalic vein ends in the basilic vein occurred in 12 cases (6 %) in the right upper limb and in 17 cases (8.5 %) in the left upper limb. Two cephalic veins were found between 13 % and 13.5 % depending on the side and three cephalic veins between 1 % and 2 %. Knowing this particularity of venous patterns could reduce the risk of complications during venipuncture.

Relación entre el patrón venoso superficial del antebrazo y las complicaciones de los cateterismos venosos periféricos y centrales en una muestra de niños atendidos en una unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos de Santander Colombia / Relationship between surface forearm vein pattern and complications of peripheral and central venous catheterization in a sample of children treated in the pediatric intensive care unit of Santander Colombia

Desde hace varias décadas se han adelantado estudios anatómicos que muestran como las poblaciones en diversos países mantienen una representación de los diferentes patrones venosos superficiales en el antebrazo. Esto contrasta con el concepto arraigado en los textos clásicos de anatomía que mantuvieron la idea de una poca variabilidad de las venas y un predominio del llamado patrón en "M". El presente estudio descriptivo, en niños que ingresaron a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediatricos (UCIP) y requirieron acceso venoso en miembro superior, busca determinar si existe asociación entre las venas y el patrón venoso superficial del antebrazo y la necesidad de retirar los catéteres superficiales (bránula y epicutáneo). Se incluyeron 54 pacientes: 23 niñas y 31 niños. Se valoraron las indicaciones de venopunción y el tipo de patrón venoso. Se presentaron 22 cambios en la venopunción principalmente en los patrones II y IV. Pero aunque el patrón IV tuvo un porcentaje de presentación menor comparado con el patrón II, fue el único patrón en el cual se presentó la necesidad de cambiar la venopunción en 3 ocasiones consecutivas. Consideramos de gran importancia darle una aplicación clínica al concepto anatómico de los patrones venosos; fomentar en las escuelas de Enfermería y Medicina la enseñanza de los patrones venosos y sus implicaciones de riesgo, y valorar con estudios posteriores si el patrón tipo IV puede aumentar el riesgo de iatrogenia en poblaciones infantiles.

For several decades there have been advanced anatomical studies showing how populations in different countries maintain a representation of the different surface vein patterns in the forearm. This contrasts with the concept rooted in the classical texts of anatomy that kept the idea of a low variability of veins and a predominance of pattern called "M". This descriptive study in children admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and required upper limb venous access, seeks to determine whether there is an association between the veins and superficial venous pattern of the forearm and the need to remove the catheter surface (branule and epicutaneous). Fifty-four patients were included: 23 girls and 31 boys. Directed by venipuncture and type of vein patterns were assessed. Twenty-two changes occurred mainly in venipuncture patterns II and IV. But although the pattern IV had a lower percentage compared to the standard presentation II, it was the only pattern which showed the need to change the venipuncture on 3 consecutive occasions. We assign great importance to give a clinical application to the anatomical concept of vein patterns; encouraging nursing schools and those teaching Medicine vein patterns and associated risk implications, and titrate with further studies if the IV pattern can increase iatrogenic risks in pediatric populations.

A rare case of persistent jugulocephalic vein and its clinical implication / 대한해부학회지

Persistence of jugulocephalic vein is one of the extremely rare variations of the cephalic vein. Knowledge of such a variation is of utmost importance to orthopedic surgeons while treating the fractures of the clavicle, head and neck surgeons, during surgery of the lower part of neck, for cardiothoracic surgeons and radiologists during catheterization and cardiac device placement. We report the persistent jugulocephalic vein in an adult male cadaver, observed during the routine dissection classes. The right cephalic vein ascended upwards, superficial to the lateral part of the clavicle and terminated into the external jugular vein. It also gave a communicating branch to the axillary vein below the clavicle. We discuss the embryological and clinical importance of this rare variation.

Right Cardiac Catheterization Using the Antecubital Fossa Vein in Korean Patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Right heart catheterization is traditionally performed using a femoral vein approach that involves admission, bed rest, and risks of bleeding and hematoma. Recent studies have confirmed safety of the use of forearm vein for right cardiac catheterization. In the present study, we evaluated the feasibility of right cardiac catheterization via the antecubital fossa vein in Korean patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The medical records of all patients who underwent right heart catheterization at our hospital between January 2003 and December 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. Right cardiac catheterizations via the antecubital fossa vein and the femoral vein were compared in terms of demographic data (age, sex, weight, height, and body mass index), indications for right cardiac catheterization, and procedural and outcome data (initial success rate, procedure time, compression to ambulation time, and complications). RESULTS: We reviewed 132 cases (antecubital fossa vein approach, n=37; femoral vein approach, n=95). The demographic data, initial success rate (100% vs. 100%) and procedure time (21.6±16.8 min vs. 25.6±12.6 min, p=0.14) were similar in both groups. The antecubital fossa vein group had a shorter mean compression to ambulation time than the femoral vein group (0.0 min vs. 201.2±48.1 min, p<0.01). No complications were observed in either group. CONCLUSION: Our study indicated the ease of performance of right cardiac catheterization via the antecubital fossa vein. Thus, the antecubital fossa vein can be an alternative access site for right cardiac catheterization in Korean patients.

Anatomical Snuffbox and it Clinical Significance: A Literature Review / La Tabaquera Anatómica y su Importancia Clínica: Una Revisión de la Literatura

The anatomical snuffbox is a small triangular area situated in the radial part of the wrist, often used to perform clinical and surgical procedures. Despite the frequency with which this area is used, there is scarce information in literature about its details. The objective of this study is detailed knowledge of the anatomical snuffbox's anatomy and its components, the reported alterations at this portion, besides the clinical uses and significance of this area.

La tabaquera anatómica, es una pequeña área triangular ubicada en la parte radial de la muñeca utilizada a menudo para realizar procedimientos clínicos y quirúrgicos. A pesar de la frecuencia con la que se utiliza esta zona, escasea la información acerca de sus detalles en la literatura. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer con detalle la anatomía de la tabaquera anatómica y sus componentes, las alteraciones reportadas a ese nivel, y los usos e importancia clínica de esta región.

Comparación de dos accesos venosos para el implante de dispositivos de estimulación cardíaca / Comparison of two poisonous gateways for implanting cardiac stimulation devices

Introducción: se pretende comparar las complicaciones del implante con abordaje venoso percutáneo versus uno por venodisección. Materiales y métodos: se incluyó implantes entre enero 2010 y diciembre 2012. Se excluyó los cambios de generador, implantes no exitosos, aquellos por vía yugular o femoral y los realizados fuera del laboratorio de electrofisiología. Evaluamos las complicaciones, tales como: hematoma, infección, neumotórax, desplazamiento de lead, reintervención y muerte. Resultados: se analizó 161 implantes. La infección de bolsillo se presentó en 3,7% del acceso percutáneo y 1,25% con el cefálico (p: 0,27). El hematoma de bolsillo se presentó en 2,49% con el acceso percutáneo y 1,25% con el cefálico (p: 0.57). Hubo desplazamiento de lead auricular en 2,5% del acceso cefálico vs 1,23% con el percutáneo (p: 0.56). El desplazamiento de lead ventricular se presentó en el 1,23% del grupo percutáneo vs 1,25% con el cefálico (p: 0.99). Hubo neumotórax en el 2,49% del grupo subclavio vs 0% con cefálico (p: 0.29). Se reportó una muerte en el grupo cefálico 1,25% (p: 0.49). La reintervención fue requerida en 6,1% del grupo percutáneo vs 3,75% con cefálico (p: 0.48). Conclusión: no existió diferencia en la presentación de complicaciones en el abordaje percutáneo en comparación con la venodisección cefálica.

Introduction: we intend to compare the complications related to the subclavian/axilar puncture versus cephalic vein cut down in pacemaker implantation. Materials and methods: all procedures between january 2010 and december 2013 were included. We excluded pulse generator substitution, unsuccessful implantations, jugular or femoral access and implantation performed outside the electrophysiology laboratory. We analyzed early complications such as pocket hematoma, pocket infection, pneumothorax, lead displacement, re intervention and death. Results: 161 procedures were analyzed. Pocket infection presented in 3,7% with subcalvian/axilar access and in 1,25% with cephalic access (p:0,27). Pocket hematoma presented in 2,49% with subclavian/axilar access vs 1,25% with cephalic access (0,57). There were atrial lead displacement in 2,5% with cephalic access vs 1,23% with subcalvian/axilar access (p:0,56). Ventricular lead displacement presented in1,23% with subclavian/axilar access vs 1,25% with cephalic access (p:0,99). Pneumothorax presented in 2,49% with subclavian/axilar access vs 0% with cephalic access (p:0,29). We reported one death with cephalic access (p: 0,49). Re intervention was needed in 6,1% with subclavian/axilar access vs 3,75% with cephalic access (p:0.48). Conclusion: complication rates presented no differences between subclavian/axilar access and cephalic access.

20 cases on arteriovenous fistula high clinical applications of / 中国综合临床

Objective To investigate an effective method of autologous arteriovenous fistula formation for the elderly uremic patients with diabetic nephropathy.Methods The nest in the elbow above the median cubital vein at the curved incision 1-2 cm,inline high Fistula,namely arm cephalic vein and brachial artery bifurcation of the upper portion of the distal radioulnar side anastomosis in 20 cases over 75 years elderly uremic patients with diabetic nephropathy.And compared the effect of 16 cases of patients with similar conventional fistula.Results Twenty cases over 75 years elderly uremic patients with diabetic nephropathy were successful in all high dynamic fistula intravenous,blood flow was (1 007±131) ml/m,the immediate opening rate of 16 patients similar to conventional instant fistula was 12.5％,and a year after the opening rate was 6.25％ Conclusion High fistula are more easy to shape conventional,easy mature,full blood flow characteristics comparing with commom fistula,so elderly uremic patients with diabetic nephropathy fistula making difficult situation has been effectively improved.

Variations of the cubital superficial vein investigated by using the intravenous illuminator / 대한해부학회지

The purpose of this study was to report variations of the cubital superficial vein patterns in the Korean subjects, which was investigated by using venous illuminator, AccuVein. The 200 Korean subjects were randomly chosen from the patients and staff of the Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center in Daegu, Korea. After excluding the inappropriate cases for detecting venous pattern, we collected 174 cases of right upper limbs and 179 cases of left upper limbs. The superficial veins of the cubital fossa were detected and classified into four types according to the presence of the median cubital vein (MCV) or median antebrachial vein. The type II, presenting the both cephalic and basilic vein connected by the MCV, was most common (177 upper limbs, 50.1%). Although the most common type in male and female was different as type I (108 upper limbs, 49.3%) and type II (75 upper limbs, 56.0%), respectively, statistical significance was not detected (P=0.241). The frequency of the each types between right and left upper limbs was also not different (P=0.973). Among 154 subjects who were observed the venous pattern in the both upper limbs, 76 subjects (49.3%) had the same venous pattern. Using AccuVein to investigate the venous pattern has an advantage of lager scale examination compared to the cadaver study. Our results might be helpful for medical practitioner to be aware of the variation of the superficial cubital superficial vein.

Identification of cephalic vein in the deltopectoral groove and its surgical relevance.

Introduction: Identification and recognition of the cephalic vein (CV) in the deltopectoral triangle is of critical importance when considering emergency procedures. Therefore, the present cadaveric study was undertaken to identify the CV in the deltopectoral groove and its termination in the axillary vein with respect to the relevant anatomical landmarks. Material and methods: The length of the CV was taken from the lowest limit of the deltopectoral groove to its draining point into the axillary vein. The coracoid process (CP), first cost-chondral junction (CCJ) and the midclavicular point (MCP) were used as the landmarks and their distances from the drainage point of CV into the axillary vein were measured. Results: In all cadavers, the CV traversed the deltopectoral groove and terminated into the axillary vein. The mean length of the CV was 15.46 ± 1.57 cm. The distances of its drainage point from the sternoclavicular joint, midclavicular point, first costo-chondral junction and the coracoid process were 8.26 ± 0.99 cm, 3.51 ± 0.8 cm, 5.66 ± 0.71 cm and 5.16 ± 0.8 cm respectively. Conclusion: The present anatomical study describes the location of cephalic vein in relation to the anatomical landmarks which would be commonly used in the intervention procedures in this region.

Venas mediana cefálica y mediana basílica: ¿por qué su exclusión de terminologia anatomica? / Median cephalic and median basilic veins: why their exclusion from terminologia anatomica?

Numerosos artículos han descrito la distribución venosa superficial de la fosa cubital. Estas venas tienen importancia anatómica y clínica y son de interés para anatomistas, cirujanos y enfermeras. Las venas mediana cefálica y mediana basílica son productos de la división de la vena cefálica del antebrazo y ambas drenan en las venas cefálica accesoria y basílica, respectivamente. Nomina Anatomica consideraba a las venas mediana basílica y mediana cefálica, lo que permitía hacer una descripción anatómica precisa, clara y entendible de ellas. Creemos necesario incluir nuevamente los términos de vena mediana basílica y vena mediana cefálica en Terminologia Anatomica, los que fueron excluidos por el Programa Federativo Internacional de Terminología Anatómica (FIPAT).

Numerous articles have described the distribution of superficial veins in the cubital fossa. These veins have anatomic and clinical importance and are of interest to anatomists, surgeons and nurses. The median cephalic and median basilic veins are the product of the division of the cephalic vein of the forearm. Both veins drain into the cephalic vein accessory and basilic vein, respectively. Nomina Anatomica considered the median cephalic vein and median basilic vein, which has allowed a precise, clear and understandable anatomical description. We need to include the terms median cephalic and median basilic veins in Terminologia Anatomica, terms excluded by the Federative International Program for Anatomical Terminology (FIPAT).

Distribución de los patrones venosos de la fosa cubital en una muestra de personas nacidas en el departamento de santander, Colombia / Distribution pattern of the veins of the cubital fossa in a sample of people born in the department of santander, Colombia

Se determinó la frecuencia de los patrones venosos superficiales del miembro superior en una muestra de 885 personas (438 hombres y 447 mujeres) nacidas en el Departamento de Santander, Colombia de acuerdo a la clasificación propuesta por del Sol et al. El patrón que predominó fue el I con 524 casos (30%) seguido del patrón III con 451 casos (26%). El patrón I fue el más frecuente tanto en el miembro superior derecho con 286 casos (32%) como en el miembro superior izquierdo con 238 casos (27%). En hombres el patrón predominante fue el I con 307 casos (35%) seguido del patrón II con 228 casos (26%). En mujeres el patrón predominante fue el III con 367 casos (41%) seguido del patrón I con 217 casos (24%). El patrón en "M clásica" tuvo una frecuencia similar en hombres y mujeres con 8%.

We determined the frequency of superficial vein patterns of the upper limb in a sample of 885 people (438 men and 447 women) born in the department of Santander, Colombia according to the classification proposed by del Sol et al. The predominant pattern was I with 524 cases (30%) followed by pattern III with 451 cases (26%). Pattern I was the most prevalent in both the right arm with 286 cases (32%) and in the left upper limb with 238 cases (27%). In men, the pattern I was predominant with 307 cases (35%) followed pattern II with 228 cases (26%). In women the predominant pattern III was with 367 cases (41%) followed the pattern I with 217 cases (24%). The pattern in "M classic" frequency was similar in men and women with 8%.

Comparison of the first-attempt success rate among three implantation approaches of the totally implantable venous access ports / 中华临床营养杂志

Objective To compare the first-attempt success rate among three implantation approaches of the totally implantable venous access ports (TIVAPs).Methods Totally 351 patients underwent the TIVAP placement in our hospital between April 2002 and May 2012.Venous access was obtained by cutdown in 234 cases,by the Seldinger technique in 41,and by ultrasound-guided Seldinger technique in 76.The first-attempt success rate was calculated and compared among these three groups.Results The first-attempt success rate was 78.6％ (184/234) in the cutdown group,90.2％ (37/41) in the Seldinger technique group,and 100％ (76/76) in the ultrasound-guided Seldinger technique group.Obviously,the success rate in ultrasound guided group was significantly higher than the cutdown group (P =0.000) and the Seldinger group (P =0.014).The incidences of surgical complications were low in all these three groups (2.2％,0,and 0,respectively).Conclusion TIVAPs represent a safe and feasible technique.The preferred placement method is ultrasound-guided Seldinger technique.

Clinical Analysis of Radiocephalic Fistula Using Side-to-side Anastomosis with Distal Cephalic Vein Ligation

BACKGROUND: The surgically created arteriovenous fistula has recently been recommended as the best available angioaccess for hemodialysis. Therefore, in this study, we carried out a clinical analysis on surgical procedures in the ligation and division of a distal vein to achieve similar effects as those of vein end-to-arterial side after side-to-side anastomosis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 113 patients who came for an outpatient clinic follow-up to the department of internal medicine of our hospital; these patients were among the 125 patients who underwent radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (side-to-side anastomosis with distal vein ligation and division) in our hospital in the period from January 2006 to December 2010. RESULTS: The patency rate showed no statistical significance with respect to sex (p=0.775), age (p=0.775), hypertension (p=0.262), diabetes (p=0.929), and cardio-neurovascular disease (p=0.717). Patency rates were 96% for the first month, 93% for the first year, and 90% for the second year for the radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (side-to-side anastomosis with distal vein ligation and division) performed on the wrist. CONCLUSION: The patency rates revealed favorable results and few postoperative complications as compared to those of previous reports. Therefore, radiocephalic fistula using side-to-side anastomosis with distal cephalic vein ligation is considered a recommendable surgical procedure in the distal part for the hemodialysis of CRF patients.

Prospective randomized comparison of single pacemaker implantation using the subclavian vein puncture versus the cephalic vein cutdown / 中国综合临床

Objective To compare the value of pacemaker implantation using the subclavian vein (SCV) puncture and thecephalic vein(CV) cutdown approach.Methods One hundred and forty-six patients were randomized into SCV group (98 patients) and CV group (48 patients).We observed the success rate,surgery duration,fluoroscopy time and complications of the two groups.Results The SCV group had significantly higher success rate,shorter duration of surgery and fluoroscopy than the CV group (success rate:100％ (98/98) vs.89％ (43/48),x2 =10.5,P ＜ 0.05 ; duration of surgery:(118 ± 35) min vs.(256 ± 75)min,t =12.12,P ＜0.01 ; duration of fluoroscopy:(15 ±5) min vs.(35 ± 10) min,t =13.08,P ＜0.01).Both groups had one case who developed compilations which were pocket hematoma and wire electrode dislocation respectively.The rate of complications was not significantly different between the two groups (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion The SCV approach should be considered a preferable access in pacemaker implantation.

Superficial Radial Nerve and Cephalic Vein: An Anatomic Study by Cadaver Dissection

OBJECTIVE: To acquire normal anatomy of superficial radial nerve and cephalic vein and identify the optimal site for venipuncture of cephalic vein at wrist to decrease the damage of superficial radial nerve. METHOD: We examined anatomic relationships of the superficial radial nerve, cephalic vein, and styloid process of radius in 14 hands from 10 cadavers. The distances were measured from the styloid process of radius to the point at which the superficial radial nerve pierced fascia, and to the crossing point of superficial radial nerve with cephalic vein. RESULTS: The mean distance from the styloid process of radius to the point at which the superficial radial nerve pierced fascia was 79.9+/-9.84 (60~93) mm and from the styloid process of radius to the crossing point of superficial radial nerve with cephalic vein was 29.5+/-15.24 (13~55) mm. CONCLUSION: The most optimal injection site for venipuncture of cephalic vein at wrist was located 55 mm more proximal area from styloid process.

A new method for implanting pacemaker lead by puncturing cephalic vein / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To introduce a new method for implanting pacemaker leads by puncturing the cephalic vein. Methods: Twenty-five patients who needed implantation of dual-chamber pacemakers or cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) were included in the present study. A guide wire and an introducer sheath were inserted successively after puncturing the cephalic vein. Another 1 or 2 guide wires were inserted into the introducer sheath and the introducer sheath was drawn back. Then 2 or 3 peel-away introducer sheaths were separately inserted via each guide wire, and the pacemaker leads were inserted into blood vessels and advanced into the heart. Results: Two or 3 peel-away introducer sheaths were successfully inserted into the blood vessels in 22 of the 25 patients, with no complications such as hematoma, pneumothorax, or subclavian artery puncture. We failed to isolate the cephalic veins in the other 3 patients and the patients were successfully converted to subclavian vein puncture. Conclusion: Our new method avoids the severe complications of traditional subelavian puncture. Compared with cephalic veins incision, our new method makes it easier and accurate for the pacemaker leads manipulation. But the cephalic veins are sometimes difficult to isolate.

Cephalic vein: detail of its anatomy in the deltopectoral triangle / Vena cefálica: detalle de su anatomía en el trígono deltopectoral

The cephalic vein shows a scarce description, especially in the deltopectoral triangle, and its ending in the axillary vein. Some established considerations such as "superficial vein, located in the deltopectoral groove, accompanied by braches of the thoraco-acromial artery, which ends in the deltopectoral triangle in the shape of fan arch" should be reevaluated. Procedures difficulties in the la catheterization deserve for a more accurate description. A descriptive, prospective study is performed. The goal is to determine the anatomy of the cephalic vein in the deltopectoral triangle, with a special focus on the characteristics concerning its path and type of termination. Findings show that the cephalic vein is deeply placed and has a different path than that of an arch (circumference segment on a level) with a retro pectoral path and an acceptable diameter, thus useful and safe in the catheterization processes.

La vena cefálica ha sido poco descrita en el triángulo deltopectoral y su terminación en la vena axilar. Algunas consideraciones la señalan como "la vena superficial, situada en el surco deltopectoral, acompañada de ramas de la arteria toraco-acromial, que termina en el trígono deltopectoral en forma de arco de ventilador" por lo que debe ser reevaluado. Debido a las dificultades en los procedimientos de cateterización la vena cefálica merece una descripción más exacta. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo prospectivo con el objetivo de determinar la anatomía de la vena cefálica en el trígono deltopectoral, dando especial atención a sus trayecto y tipo de terminación. Los resultados demostraron que la vena cefálica está localizada profundamente en el surco deltopectoral, presenta un trayecto distinto a un arco (segmento de la circunferencia de un nivel) siendo este trayecto retropectoral y un diámetro aceptable, por lo tanto, útil y seguro para los procesos de cateterización.

An unusual termination of seven veins in the jugulo-subclavian junction / Inusual terminación de siete venas en la unión yugulo-subclavia

During anatomical dissection of a female Caucasian cadaver in our department, we observed an unusual termination of seven veins at the jugulo-subclavian junction. Normally, the jugulo-subclavian junction is formed by the union of the internal jugular vein and the subclavian vein, and gives rise to the brachionocephalic vein. In our case, except from these two, five additional veins, namely the cephalic vein, the transverse cervical vein, the external jugular vein, the anterior jugular vein, and the vertebral vein, were also joined at the level of the jugulo-subclavian junction, in order to form the brachionocephalic vein. Such a variation has not yet been reported in the literature.

Durante la disección anatómica de un cadáver caucásico femenino, se observó una inusual terminación de siete venas en el lugar de unión yúgulo-subclavia. Normalmente, la unión yúgulo-subclavia consiste en la unión de la vena yugular interna y la vena subclavia, que forman la vena braquiocefálica. En nuestro caso, además de estas dos venas, se observaron cinco venas adicionales, la vena cefálica, la vena cervical transversa, la vena yugular externa, la vena yugular anterior y la vena vertebral, la que también se unió en el nivel de la unión yúgulo-subclavia, a fin de formar la vena braquiocefálica. Tal variación no ha sido reportado en la literatura.

The Usefulness of Cephalic Vein Cut-Down for Totally Implantable Central Venous Port in Children

The usefulness of totally implantable central venous port for long-term intravenous infusion is widely accepted in children. Usually the catheters are placed through the internal or external jugular vein. In case of jugular vein cut-down, two separate incisions are needed for catheter and port respectively. Patients also feel uncomfortable as the catheter run through the neck. However these disadvantages can be overcome by using the cephalic vein (CV). We reviewed our experiences on CV cut-down for totally implantable central venous port in children. From January 2002 to December 2006, 201 patients (M:F=127:74) underwent 218 central venous port insertions. Mean age at operation was 5.9 years (2 months - 19 years). Indications included chemotherapy (N=167), long-term intravenous antibiotics infusion (N=36), and total parenteral nutrition (N=15). CV was selected preferentially. The incision includes the deltopectoral triangle laterally, and both the CV cut-down and port insertion were achieved with a single incision. The number of insertion through external, internal jugular vein, and CV was 77, 66 and 75, respectively. The median age, height and body weight were higher in CV cut-down group. The youngest age for CV cut-down was 8 months, the shortest height was 69 cm and the smallest body weight was 5.9 kg. Of 118 trials of CV cut-down, cut-down was successful in 75 cases (63.6 %). CV was absent in 10 cases(8.4 %) and CV was sacrificed after catheter tip malposition in 10 cases (8.4 %). There was only one complication, in which the catheter was inserted into the minute branch of subclavian artery. The CV cut-down method for totally implantable central venous port was safe and feasible in selected groups of patients in children. In addition, preservation of jugular vein and a more favorable cosmetic effect are other benefits of CV cut-down.

Chemoport Insertion using Cephalic Vein

Various venous approaches are available for chemoport insertion. The subclavian vein and jugular vein are commonly used. The cephalic vein has several advantages for chemoport insertion. The authors introduce chemoport insertion using cephalic vein. Operation methods were as follows: patient was placed in supine position. Under local anesthesia, the incision was made in the infraclavicular portion, dissection was performed along the deltopectoral groove and the cephalic vein was identified and isolated. Dissection was performed between the subcutaneous fat layer and the muscle layer to make space for chemoport placement. The cephalic vein was incised and the catheter was introduced to the cephalic vein directly and examined by fluoroscopy. Chemoport insertion using cephalic vein is a useful method of chemoport insertion.