Association of anesthetic modality and other variables on 1-year functional patency of cephalic-based arteriovenous fistulae

OBJECTIVE

Some studies suggest that regional anesthesia provides better patency for arteriovenous fistula (AVF) for hemodialysis access as compared to local and general anesthesia. This study evaluates the impact of anesthetic modality on long term fistula function at 12 months.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients undergoing cephalic vein-based hemodialysis access in consecutive cases between 2014 and 2019 was conducted from five safety net hospitals. The primary endpoint was functional patency at 12 months. Subset analysis individually evaluated cephalic-based lower forearm and wrist vs upper arm AVFs. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models evaluated the relationship between anesthetic modality and fistula function at 12 months.

RESULTS

There were 818 cephalic-based fistulas created during the study period. The overall 12-month functional patency rate was 78.7%, including an 81.3% patency for upper arm AVF and 73.3% for wrist AVF (P = .009). There was no statistically significant difference among patients with functional and nonfunctional AVFs at 12 months with respect to anesthetic modality when comparing regional, local, and general anesthesia (P = .343). Multivariate regression analysis identified that history of AVF/arteriovenous graft (odds ratio [OR], 0.24; P = .007), receiving intraoperative systemic anticoagulation (OR, 2.49; P < .001), and vein diameter (OR, 1.85; P = .039) as independently associated with AVF functional patency at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no association between anesthetic modality and functional patency of cephalic-based AVFs at 12 months. Further studies are needed to better define which patients may benefit from regional anesthesia.

Intra-pocket ultrasound-guided axillary vein puncture vs. cephalic vein cutdown for cardiac electronic device implantation: the ACCESS trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Intra-pocket ultrasound-guided axillary vein puncture (IPUS-AVP) for venous access in implantation of transvenous cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) is uncommon due to the lack of clinical evidence supporting this technique. This study investigated the efficacy and early complications of IPUS-AVP compared to the standard method using cephalic vein cutdown (CVC) for CIED implantation.

METHODS

ACCESS was an investigator-led, interventional, randomized (1:1 ratio), monocentric, controlled superiority trial. A total of 200 patients undergoing CIED implantation were randomized to IPUS-AVP (n = 101) or CVC (n = 99) as a first assigned route. The primary endpoint was the success rate of insertion of all leads using the first assigned venous access technique. The secondary endpoints were time to venous access, total procedure duration, fluoroscopy time, X-ray exposure, and complications. Complications were monitored during a follow-up period of three months after procedure.

RESULTS

IPUS-AVP was significantly superior to CVC for the primary endpoint with 100 (99.0%) vs. 86 (86.9%) procedural successes (P = .001). Cephalic vein cutdown followed by subclavian vein puncture was successful in a total of 95 (96.0%) patients, P = .21 vs. IPUS-AVP. All secondary endpoints were also significantly improved in the IPUS-AVP group with reduction in time to venous access [3.4 vs. 10.6 min, geometric mean ratio (GMR) 0.32 (95% confidence interval, CI, 0.28-0.36), P < .001], total procedure duration [33.8 vs. 46.9 min, GMR 0.72 (95% CI 0.67-0.78), P < .001], fluoroscopy time [2.4 vs. 3.3 min, GMR 0.74 (95% CI 0.63-0.86), P < .001], and X-ray exposure [1083 vs. 1423 mGy.cm², GMR 0.76 (95% CI 0.62-0.93), P = .009]. There was no significant difference in complication rates between groups (P = .68).

CONCLUSIONS

IPUS-AVP is superior to CVC in terms of success rate, time to venous access, procedure duration, and radiation exposure. Complication rates were similar between the two groups. Intra-pocket ultrasound-guided axillary vein puncture should be a recommended venous access technique for CIED implantation.

Supraclavicular cephalic vein draining into the internal jugular vein via the external jugular vein

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to report rare anatomical variations of the cephalic vein (CV) in a 77-year-old Korean male cadaver.

CASE REPORT

On the right upper arm, the CV located lateral to the deltopectoral groove passed anterior to the clavicle at the lateral one-fourth of the clavicle without anastomosis to the axillary vein. It was connected to the transverse cervical and suprascapular veins by two communicating branches in the middle of its course at the neck, and opened into the external jugular vein at its junction with the internal jugular veins. The suprascapular and anterior jugular veins were flowed into the subclavian vein at the jugulo-subclavian venous confluence, and were connected by a short communicating branch.

CONCLUSION

Detailed knowledge of the variations in the CV is expected to be helpful in decreasing unpredicted injuries and possible postoperative complications when invasive venous access is performed through the CV.

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Intravenous Lobular Capillary Hemangioma in the Cephalic Vein

A 60-year-old man presented with focal swelling on the dorsal surface of the left wrist. The sonographic exam revealed the presence of a smoothly rounded hypoechoic mass, with internal blood flow in the lumen of the vein. The histopathological findings led to the diagnosis of intravenous lobular capillary hemangioma (LCH). Here, we reported an intravenous LCH arising from the cephalic vein on the dorsal surface of the left wrist hand and discussed the related ultrasonographic findings.

Ultrasound guided percutaneous cephalic venipuncture for implantation of cardiac implantable electronic devices

BACKGROUND

Preoperative ultrasound (US) for cephalic cut-down is related to shorter procedure time and higher success rate. This study aimed to assess efficiency of US-guided percutaneous cephalic vein (CV) puncture for placement of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs).

METHODS

Patients undergoing a procedure including both US-guided pectoral nerve block (PECS) and percutaneous CV puncture were retrospectively investigated. Patient medical history and demographic data was collected. Clinical features of the procedures and intra- and post-operative complications occurring were collected from patient records. Clinical data included target vessel features, and the time taken for the following: CV puncture; CV and PECS puncture; total procedure.

RESULTS

In total 34 patients had CV puncture with US-guided PECS block was attempted in all patients and the procedure was successful in 27 of 34 (79.4%) patients. The total number of CV puncture attempts was 62 for 34 leads (mean attempts per lead = 1.82). The mean ± standard deviation time for CV puncture was 137.5 ± 27.4 s. There were no venous access-related complications.

CONCLUSION

US-guided CV puncture appears feasible and safe with an acceptable success rate. In case of failure of the US-guided axillary or subclavian vein approach, it may be preferred as an alternative to the cephalic cut-down procedure, where the success rate is relatively lower and the risk of bleeding is higher.

Ultrasound guided percutaneous cephalic venipuncture for implantation of cardiac implantable electronic devices

BACKGROUND

Preoperative ultrasound (US) for cephalic cut-down is related to shorter procedure time and higher success rate. This study aimed to assess efficiency of US-guided percutaneous cephalic vein (CV) puncture for placement of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs).

METHODS

Patients undergoing a procedure including both US-guided pectoral nerve block (PECS) and percutaneous CV puncture were retrospectively investigated. Patient medical history and demographic data was collected. Clinical features of the procedures and intra- and post-operative complications occurring were collected from patient records. Clinical data included target vessel features, and the time taken for the following: CV puncture; CV and PECS puncture; total procedure.

RESULTS

In total 34 patients had CV puncture with US-guided PECS block was attempted in all patients and the procedure was successful in 27 of 34 (79.4%) patients. The total number of CV puncture attempts was 62 for 34 leads (mean attempts per lead = 1.82). The mean ± standard deviation time for CV puncture was 137.5 ± 27.4 s. There were no venous access-related complications.

CONCLUSION

US-guided CV puncture appears feasible and safe with an acceptable success rate. In case of failure of the US-guided axillary or subclavian vein approach, it may be preferred as an alternative to the cephalic cut-down procedure, where the success rate is relatively lower and the risk of bleeding is higher.

Successful long-term limb salvage using cephalic and small saphenous vein grafts: A case report

In this case report, we present a patient scheduled for operation due to critical leg ischemia in whom a bilateral great saphenous vein (GSV) had already been used during previous cardiac and peripheral vascular surgeries. The patient underwent femorofemoral crossover bypass from left to right with a small saphenous vein and right femoropopliteal bypass with cephalic vein (CV) during the same session. Distal pulses became palpable, and symptoms regressed dramatically following the operation. A control computed tomographic angiography scan revealed no signs of graft stenosis 32 months after the surgery. Despite the recent advances in synthetic graft materials, small saphenous and CVs should be remembered as alternative long-standing conduits in the absence of the GSV.

Case report: Iatrogenic fracture of intravenous cannula during removal with proximal migration

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Iatrogenic intravenous foreign body retention and migration is a well-known, under reported complications and can be a vexing problem for interventionalist.

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Imaging techniques play a very important role for diagnosis and during retrieval of intravenous foreign body.

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It can have life threatening complications and legal issues.

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Serious complications of intravascular foreign bodies can be avoided by adhering to universal guide lines for intravascular cannulation.

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Intravascular foreign bodies should be retrieved immediately to avoid Serious complications.

Introduction

We report a case of iatrogenic fracture of peripheral intravenous cannula in the cephalic vein with proximal migration. It is extremely rare and underreported complication of peripheral intravenous cannulation. It acts as a retained intravascular foreign body with lethal complications.

Presentation of case

In this case report we conceded that a 23 year-old Hindu female presented to us with pain and discomfort at the site of cannulation in the mid forearm and just over the cubital fossa. The localisation of the fractured cannula was reconfirmed with imaging techniques, venotomy and gentle retrieval of intravascular foreign body was performed.

Discussion

When performed properly peripheral intravenous cannulation is a safe procedure with little serious risks. It can cause many lethal complications. Such complications can be avoided by adhering to universal guide lines of IV cannulation. Early localisation and exploration for retrieval should be the treatment of choice.

Conclusion

A fractured peripheral intravenous cannula has potentially devastating consequences. Early detection and the standard operating procedure of peripheral venous access, and meticulous teamwork must be adopted.

Does ligation of the dorsal branch of the cephalic vein affect the patency of a distal forearm arteriovenous fistula? A randomised study

Background

Whether ligation of the dorsal branch of the cephalic vein during the surgical establishment of the radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (RCAVF) favorably or adversely affects the patency rate of the RCAVF remains controversial. We performed a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of dorsal branch ligation on the patency rate of RCAVF.

Methods

A total of 115 patients who underwent surgical establishment were randomized to two groups treated with or without ligation of the dorsal branch of the cephalic vein during the surgical process. The primary patency rates of the RCAVF at 90, 270, and 360 days after the surgery and the secondary patency rates during a follow-up up to 1 year were compared.

Results

The patency rate did not differ significantly between the two groups at 3, 9, or 12 months after the procedure (P > 0.05). The combined primary patency rates of the RCAVF in patients from both groups at 3, 9 and 12 months after the procedure were 87.6, 82, and 74.5% respectively, while the combined secondary patency rate was 92.2% at the 1-year follow-up. The Log-rank test indicated that the initial patency rate and secondary patency rate did not differ significantly between the two groups (P = 0.674 and 0.759, respectively).

Conclusion

This clinical study indicated that ligation of the dorsal branch of the cephalic vein does not significantly affect the patency of the arteriovenous fistula with a 1-year follow-up.

Trial registration

ISRCTN ISRCTN12288675, Registered 25 September 2019 in the ISRCTN registry. retrospectively registered.

Implantation of cardiac resynchronization therapy devices using three leads by cephalic vein dissection approach

Aims

Percutaneous subclavian, axillary, and cephalic vein access are all used in conjunction for atrial and ventricular lead implantation, though no standard approach for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device implantation has been established. We describe an effective and a safe technique for implanting three leads via cephalic vein for CRT pacemaker and/or defibrillator implantations.

Methods and results

A total of 171 consecutive patients undergoing de novo implantation of CRT pacemaker or defibrillator were included. Cephalic vein access was achieved by dissection and direct visualization. If the cephalic vein was inadequate, alternate means of access was determined after outset of the procedure. Procedural success rates and complications were recorded. Of the 171 de novo CRT implant attempts, 169 (98.8%) patients had successful implantation of all 3 leads on the first attempt. Of the 171 procedural attempts, 150 (87.7%) patients had all 3 leads placed via cephalic vein. Overall, complications occurred in 6 of 171 patients (3.5%) including initial and repeat procedures. These complications included seven lead dislodgements, two cases of diaphragmatic stimulation requiring lead revision, and one coronary sinus dissection without pericardial effusion. There were no cases of pneumothorax, pocket haematoma requiring evacuation, or infection.

Conclusion

The triple lead via cephalic vein technique is safe and effective when used as a first approach for CRT device implantation.

A novel technique for ligation of the cephalic vein reduces hemorrhaging during a two-in-one insertion of dual cardiac device leads

The cutdown technique for the cephalic vein is a common access route for transvenous cardiac device leads (TVLs), and sometimes one cephalic vein can accomodate two TVLs. We examined a novel ligation technique to balance the hemostasis and lead maneuverability for this two-in-one insertion. A total of 22 patients scheduled for cardiac device implantations with two or more leads were enrolled. The ipsilateral cephalic vein was identified for inserting the TVLs with a cutdown. If two TVLs could be introduced into one cephalic vein, hemostasis was established by ligating the venous wall between the TVLs. We measured the amount of hemorrhaging per minute and the operators assessed the lead maneuverability before and after the ligation. We successfully implanted cardiac devices in 15 patients (68%) with this novel method, whereas only one TVL could be introduced via the cephalic vein in 7 patients. As for the successful patients, hemorrhaging from the gap was significantly reduced (5.6 ± 7.3 to 0.41 ± 0.36g/min, p = 0.016) after the novel ligation. The lead maneuverability was well maintained so there was no difficulty placing the leads into the cardiac chambers in all cases. No major complications were observed. In the present study, the novel ligation method provided significant hemostasis as well as a preserved maneuverability. It could be an optional choice for insertion of multiple TVLs.

Clinical anatomy of the cephalic vein for safe performance of venipuncture

Background

The aims of this study were to elucidate why the cephalic vein provides a reliable cannulation site from a morphological viewpoint and identify an effective landmark for avoiding injury to the superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN), allowing for safe venipuncture of the cephalic vein.

Findings

We examined 32 forearms and wrists from 18 cadavers. The cephalic vein was a constant structure containing a branch communicating with a collateral vein of the deep palmar arch via the first dorsal interossei muscle. The metacarpal vein from the medial two digits flowed into the cephalic vein. The venous confluence formed 5.8 ± 1.2 cm proximal to the radial styloid process. The SBRN passed 0.4 ± 0.3 cm volar to the venous confluence. The distance between the venous confluence and subcutaneous emergence of the SBRN was 2.6 ± 1.0 cm.

Conclusions

These observations suggest that the cephalic vein is a constant structure that serves as a drainage vein of the hand and provides a reliable cannulation site in the forearm. The venous confluence may serve as a novel landmark to predict the running course of the SBRN.

Embryological and comparative description of the cephalic vein joining the external jugular vein: A case report

The cephalic vein arises from the radial end of the dorsal venous arch. It turns around the radial border of the forearm and passes proximally along the arm to the shoulder, where it enters the axillary vein by penetrating the clavipectoral triangle. The cephalic vein is prone to vary at the antecubital fossa, where it forms numerous anastomoses. A male cadaver fixated with a 10% formalin solution was dissected during regular anatomy lessons. It was found that the cephalic vein crossed the upper third of the arm between two fasciculi of the deltoid muscle and reached the shoulder, where it passed above the acromion and crossed the posterior border of the clavicle in order to join the external jugular vein. The cephalic vein is one of the most used veins for innumerous activities, such as venipunctures and arteriovenous fistula creation. Furthermore, it is an anatomical landmark known for its consistent anatomy, as it possesses low rates of variability. Despite that, its anatomical variations are clinically and surgically significant and healthcare professionals must be aware of the variations of this vessel. We aim to report a rarely described variation of the cephalic vein and discuss its embryological, phylogenetic and clinical features.

A supraclavicular cephalic vein drained into the subclavian vein

Although the cephalic vein follows a fairly consistent course, numerous variants have been reported. We found a rare anatomical presentation of the cephalic vein in a 75-year-old Korean male cadaver. The left cephalic vein was identified in the deltopectoral groove, ascended over the clavicle, and terminated into the left subclavian vein just before its union with the left internal jugular vein. The detailed knowledge on the variations of the cephalic vein is important for clinicians as well as anatomists since the approach through the axillary base is favored in many invasive clinical procedures.

A rare case of persistent jugulocephalic vein and its clinical implication

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.

Long-term reliability of sweet-tip type screw-in leads

Background

Active fixation leads have provided stable atrial and ventricular pacing; however, long-term follow-up data have not been satisfactory. The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term reliability of active fixation leads and their electrical characteristic stability.

Methods

A total of 1196 pacing leads were implanted in 830 patients consecutively between 2002 and 2013. In this retrospective study, we were able to trace 1092 leads in 750 patients to investigate the prognosis of implanted leads. The measurement values (including pacing thresholds, sensing amplitudes, and lead impedances of both the atrial and ventricular leads) were obtained from medical records at the time of implantation and during follow up at the outpatient device clinic. All pacing leads were FINELINE II Sterox EZ Leads (Boston Scientific, MN, USA), which are sweet-tip type screw-in active fixation leads, except for the shock leads in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

Results

The mean follow-up period was 51.3±29.2 months (median, 48 months). A total of 1092 leads were implanted in either the atrium (682 leads) or the ventricle (410 leads). Venous access was achieved through cephalic vein cut down (CVC) method (914 leads) or the subclavian vein puncture (SVP) method (178 leads). The overall lead survival rate was 99.6% at both 5 and 10 years. Lead fracture was observed in 4 of 1092 leads (0.37%), all of which were implanted by the SVP method. No lead fracture occurred among patients wherein CVC method was applied (p<0.01). Device-related infection was observed in four patients (0.53%).

Conclusions

The overall reliability and stability of sweet-tip type screw-in leads were satisfactory throughout the long-term follow-up period (median, 4 years). Because it was associated with less lead fractures, cut-down access from the cephalic vein may be recommended as the first-line approach when considering the importance of long-term durability of pacing leads.

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.

Cephalic Vein-Pedicled Radial Forearm Semi-free Flap: An Alternative When no Suitable Vein in Recipient Site for Free Forearm Flap

The risk of venous thrombosis is the main factor of free forearm flap necrosis. In some cases there is no suitable vein at recipient site to provide venous return of the free flap. In this report, two cephalic vein-pedicled radial forearm semi-free flaps were used as an alternative to resurface soft tissue defects in submaxilla and anterior cervical area. The two flaps survived uneventfully. The cephalic vein-pedicled radial forearm semi-free flap could be harvested with a long cephalic vein pedicle, and could be an alternative when there was no suitable or healthy recipient veins at recipient site.

An Anatomical Study to Demonstrate the Proximity of Kirschner Wires to Structures at Risk in Percutaneous Pinning of Distal Radius Fractures

Distal radius fractures are often treated using percutaneous Kirschner wires (K-wires). The sensory nerves in this area, extensor tendons, radial artery and cephalic vein are at risk of injury in this procedure. We undertook a cadaveric investigation to identify probability of damage to these 'at risk' structures by measuring their distances in relation to standard K-wire sites. Nine upper limbs from six formalin-preserved cadavers were studied. Four K-wires were placed percutaneously simulating fixation of a distal radius fracture. Careful dissection was done preserving the original position of neurovascular and tendinous structures. Distances to relevant soft-tissue structures from each K-wire were measured using an electronic digital caliper. Distance of superficial nerves from radial styloid and Lister's tubercle was measured to determine their 'safe distance' from these fixed landmarks. None of the superficial nerves were injured by a K-wire. Cephalic vein had been pierced on 4 occasions (4/18) and extensor tendons on 3 occasions (3/18). Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare distance of the superficial nerves from radial styloid and Lister tubercle, and the latter was found to be the safer option. This study highlights the inherent danger in percutaneous K-wire fixation of wrist fractures. Limited size of the area, where K-wires can be positioned, and anatomic variations of neurovascular structures pose obstacles in developing guidelines for reducing risk of injury. We advocate use of mini-open approach and guiding devices to avert complications of inadvertent impalement and damage to these structures.

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

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.

Three superficial veins coursing over the clavicles: a case report

We report a unique bilateral combination of multiple variations in the superficial venous system of the neck of a 77-year-old male cadaver. On the right side of the neck, the external jugular vein (EJV) crossed superficial to the lateral third of the clavicle constituting a common trunk with the cephalic vein (CV) that drained into the subclavian vein (SCV). On the left side the EJV descended distally, passed over the anterior surface of the medial third of the clavicle and drained into the SCV. The posterior external jugular vein (PEJV) crossed superficial to the lateral third of the clavicle and terminated into the CV, providing an additional communicating branch to the EJV. Knowledge of both normal and abnormal anatomy of the veins of the neck plays an important role for anesthesiologists or cardiologists doing catheterization, orthopedic surgeons treating clavicle fractures and general surgeons performing head and neck surgery, to avoid inadvertent injury to these vascular structures.

Report of an unusual combination of arterial, venous and neural variations in a cadaveric upper limb

In this study an unusual combination of arterial, venous and neural variations discovered during dissection of cervical, axillary and brachial area of a cadaver is described. Variations are thoroughly described and literature is briefly reviewed. Lateral cord of brachial plexus was not formed; Eight Cervical root divided into anterior and posterior division before uniting with First Thoracic root and Upper Trunk was unusually short. Axillary artery gave origin to a superficial brachial artery and then continued as deep brachial artery. Multiple variations in typical axillary artery branches were present including existence of inferior pectoral artery. Cephalic vein was absent. A variety of interventions, from relative simple as central venous catheter placement to most complicated as brachial plexus injury repair demand thorough knowledge of area's regional anatomy. Familiarity with anatomic variations allows more precise and careful interventions. Research on these variations is valuable for anatomists and embryologists but also for clinicians because it may provide useful information for non - typical cases but also helps in raising a high level of suspicion.