Variations in the Median Cubital Vein: A Conceptual Review

The median cubital vein, connecting the basilic and cephalic veins in the cubital fossa, is used for routine clinical procedures such as phlebotomy, insertion of intravenous cannulas, critical investigations, cardiac angiography and stent placement. Numerous variations regarding the arrange- ment of the median cubital vein are mentioned in the literature, such as classical or N-type, M-type, I-type, absence of cephalic vein in the arm, doubled median cubital vein, median cubital vein as the venous arch. In majority of the population either classical type or N-type variation has been documented. Significant percentage of the population have an absence of median cubital vein, replaced by the median cephalic and median basilic veins. Geographical differences in frequencies of variations of the median cubital vein have also been documented. In the background of the clinical utility, it rises paramount importance for medical personnel to know about the anatomical variations of the cubital vein. Lack of awareness would incur needless harm and suffering to the patient and delay investigation and treatment modalities. Therefore, we intend to do a comprehensive review of the variations in the median cubital vein.

Descripción anatómica del arco venoso dorsal de la mano en una muestra de población de Bucaramanga, Colombia / Anatomical description of the dorsal venous arch of the hand in a population sample of Bucaramanga, Colombia

Se estudió el arco venoso dorsal de la mano (AVD) en una muestra de la población de Bucaramanga en 54 mujeres y 50 hombres. Las variables estudiadas en el AVD fueron: número de venas que lo forman, número de venas que recorren su interior, presencia de una vena que forme su parte lateral y medial, conformación cerrada o discontinua del AVD, si la vena metacarpiana del primer dedo se unía al AVD y contribuía a la formación de la vena cefálica, si la vena metacarpiana del quinto dedo se unía al AVD y contribuía a la formación de la vena basílica. También se revisó la concordancia entre la vena que escogían dos observadores independientes, como la más adecuada para venopunción. La comparación con los textos clásicos de anatomía evidenció concordancia en que cerca de la cabeza de los metacarpianos se forman venas metacarpianas dorsales, pero, no siempre estas venas se unen de forma completa para formar un "arco venoso cerrado" como lo describen los esquemas de la mayoría de los autores. Sólo un 41,8 % fueron AVD cerrados. Las venas metacarpianas del primer y del quinto dedo se unieron al AVD en un 44,23 % y un 89,42 % respectivamente. Este dato, sumado al hecho de que en el primer y quinto dedos pueden existir más de una vena que drene su sangre, las cuales no siempre se unen al AVD, ayudan a explicar la razón de porqué en otros estudios se describe ausencia de venas cefálica o basílica o presencia de varias venas cefálicas que permiten la formación de ciertos patrones de la fosa cubital. Se encontró concordancia del 78,85 % en cuanto a la vena escogida para posible venopunción y en el análisis bivariado, hubo asociación estadística de esta concordancia al cruzarla con el número de venas que recorren el interior del AVD.

The dorsal venous arch of the hand (AVD) was studied in a sample of the Bucaramanga population of 54 women and 50 men. The variables studied in the AVD were: Number of veins that form it, number of veins that run through its interior, presence of a vein that forms its lateral and medial part, closed or discontinuous conformation of the AVD, if the metacarpal vein of the first finger joined the AVD and contributed to the formation of the cephalic vein, if the metacarpal vein of the fifth finger joined the ADL and contributed to the formation of the basilic vein. The concordance between the vein chosen by two independent observers was also reviewed, as the most suitable for venipuncture. The comparison with the classic anatomy texts showed concordance in which dorsal metacarpal veins are formed near the metacarpal head, but these veins do not always unite completely to form a "closed venous arch" as described in metacarpal diagrams by most authors. Only 41.8 % were closed AVD. The metacarpal veins of the first and fifth toes joined the AVD in 44.23 % and 89.42 % respectively. This fact, in addition that in the first and fifth fingers, there may be more than one vein draining the blood, which do not always bind to the AVD, helps explain the reason other studies describe absence of cephalic veins, basilica or presence of several cephalic veins that allow the formation of certain patterns of the cubital fossa. There was 78.85 % agreement regarding the vein chosen for possible venipuncture and in the bivariate analysis, there was a statistical association of this concordance when crossing it with the number of veins that run through the interior of the AVD.

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.

Perforator pedicled flaps by anastomosis of superficial veins for reconstructing the extremity defects: 14 cases report / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To investigate the methods and results of perforator pedicled flaps by anastomosis of superficial veins for reconstructing the extremity defects.Methods From February, 2012 to September, 2012, a total of 14 patients with traumatic skin and soft tissue and artery defects in extremities were repaired by perforator pedicled flaps anastomosed superficial veins with the recipient vessels.Fourteen flaps were based on five kinds of perforator arteries, the posterior interrosseous artery in 5 cases, the ulnar artery in 3 cases, the metacarpal artery in 2 cases, the peroneal artery in 3 cases, the lateral supramalleolar artery in 2 cases, the ulnar artery in 2 cases,and the posterior interrosseous artery in 1 case.After the operation, the blood supplies of flaps were observed severely,postoperative flap swelling were evaluated by edema level classification.After 1 month the blood flow of vein anastomosis were examed by color Doppler ultrasound.Questionnaire of the flap aesthetic satisfactory were performed during fellow-up periods.Results Twelve flaps were all survived well, 2 flaps had partial marginal skin necrosis in the distal, which was managed with surgical debridement, and wound healed in 1 month.Flap swelling were light, edema level classification were one degree in 4 cases,two degree in 10 cases postoperation 7 days, one degree in 11 cases and two degree in 3 cases, after 6 months.Color Doppler ultrasound examinations showed 9 vein anastomosises were all bypassed well.Eleven cases had 6-12 months' fellow-up periods.The flaps had like-like appearance, good contour, high aesthetic satisfactory.Conclusion Perforator pedicledr flaps by anastomosis of superficial veins can reduce the flap venous pressure obviously, avoid transientvenous venous congestion, improve the survival quality of the flap.It's a safe and effective method for soft tissue coverage of traumatic extremity wounds.

Mondor’s Disease.

Mondor’s disease is the chronic inflammation (thrombophlebitis) of superficial veins of thoracoabdominal or thoraco epigastric region. Very few cases have been reported so far. The causes are numerous and have been mentioned as trauma, inflammation of skin, following breast surgery in cancerous condition, excessive physical activity, compressive bandages, tight clothing, infections and benign or malignant breast tumours. In the present case there was chronic thrombophlebitis of lateral thoracic vein, which was observed on the right pectoral region in middle aged male cadaver. It appeared as a thick, bluish coloured, cord like structure, seen in place of lateral thoracic vessels. When traced proximally, it was opening into the right subclavian vein immediately deep to the right clavicle. Histopathological examination confirmed the vein which was showing destruction of tunica intima as in chronic inflammatory condition. The lumen showed presence of clot. The complication of Mondor’s disease may lead to the spread of inflammation to other regions, clot formation, detachment of the clot leading to thrombo embolism.

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%.

Superficial veins of upper extremities in Thais.

From 272 dissected adult Thai cadavers the patterns of superficial veins in the cubital region were recorded. The presence of the median cubital vein connecting the cephalic with the basilica vein was founded in 76.7 percent. With the cephalic vein turning medially to join the basilica vein a little above the elbow joint, the brachial portion of the cephalic vein was either rudimentary, absent or taken up by an accessory cephalic vein in 6.6 percent. The cephalic and basilic veins had no communication with each other in the elbow region in 13.4 percent. In the absence of the median cubital vein, the upper end of the median vein of the forearm divided into a median cephalic vein and a median basilica vein to join respectively the cephalic and basilic veins in 3.3 percent. The distribution of the various types was not statistically different from that in the Japanese, American Negroes and America Whites, but significantly different from that in the British and Indian.