From the Guidelines
The cephalic vein is a superficial vein. This classification is based on the most recent and highest quality study, which emphasizes the importance of considering superficial veins before deep veins for vascular access 1. The study highlights that the cephalic vein, along with the basilic vein, is considered a superficial vein, making it a preferred option for outflow in vascular access procedures.
Key Points
- The cephalic vein is located in the forearm and upper arm, and its superficial nature makes it easily accessible for medical procedures such as intravenous (IV) access and blood draws.
- The superficial location of the cephalic vein means it is not surrounded by muscles or deep tissues, making it a preferred site for IV placement and reducing the risk of complications.
- Understanding the cephalic vein's superficial nature is crucial for proper venous assessment and medical procedures, as well as for potential complications related to superficial thrombophlebitis or varicose veins, as noted in the study 1.
Clinical Implications
- The use of superficial veins like the cephalic vein can help preserve deeper veins for future access sites, reducing the risk of obliteration or stenoses in the deep veins 1.
- The study recommends considering the use of superficial veins before deep veins, and evaluating potential vascular access sites based on the availability of superficial veins 1.
From the Research
Cephalic Vein Location
- The cephalic vein is considered a superficial vein in the upper arm, as it differs from the collateral accessory vein (CAV) in its anatomic location at the forearm 2.
- Studies have shown that the cephalic vein runs superficially in the anatomical snuffbox in 98% of examined hands 3.
- The cephalic vein becomes deep around the upper forearm, in the deltopectoral groove 4.
- The running patterns of the superficial veins, including the cephalic vein, have been classified into four types, with the median cubital vein (MCV) connected obliquely between the cephalic and basilic veins in types I and II 5.
- 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, with a venous confluence that may serve as a novel landmark to predict the running course of the superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN) 6.