A communicating vein connecting the cephalic and basilic veins in the upper arm, variable in position but most commonly crossing the anterior arm. The most clinically important communicating vein is the median cubital vein at the elbow, the most common site for venipuncture.
The cephalic-basilic communicating veins are the basis for vascular access planning in haemodialysis patients where superficial vein mapping determines the most suitable site for AV fistula creation. The median cubital vein at the elbow is the most reliable communicating vein and the first choice for venipuncture and cannulation. Its relationship to the brachial artery and median nerve deep to the bicipital aponeurosis must be respected during deep procedures.
Extravasation during median cubital vein cannulation producing an antecubital haematoma compressing the median nerve against the bicipital aponeurosis, particularly hazardous in anticoagulated patients.
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