The pre-axial vein cephalic vein of superior extremity

Cephalic vein

It begins as the continuation of lateral end of the dorsal venous arch

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Course:

·         It crosses the roof of anatomical snuff box

·         Then it ascends on the radial border of the forearm , continues upwards in front of the elbow along the lateral border of the biceps

·         It pierces the deep fascia at the lower border of the pectoralis major , the deltopectoral groove up to the infraclavicular fossa

·         In the infraclavicular fossa , it pierces the clavipectoral fascia and drains into the axillary vein (deep vein of upper limb)

Clinical anatomy

·         It is routinely used for giving intravenous injections and for withdrawing blood from donors

·         The cephalic vein is preferred for hemodialysis in patients with chronic renal failure to remove waste products from blood

•          The cut down of cephalic vein in the deltopectoral groove is preferred when superior vena caval infusion is necessary 

·         Cephalic vein is not preferred for cardiac catheterization due to the following reasons

1.    Its diameter does not increase as it ascends

2.    It joins the axillary vein at a right angle hence it is difficult ot maneuver the catheter around sharp cephaloaxillary angle

3.    In deltopectoral groove it frequently divides into small branches

4.    One of the branches ascends over the clavicle and joins the external jugular vein