Median Antebrachial Vein

vena mediana antebrachii

The median antebrachial vein runs up the anterior midline of the forearm from the palmar venous plexus to the antecubital fossa, where it terminates variably into the cephalic vein (median cephalic, forming the M or H bifurcation), the basilic vein (median basilic), or directly into the median cubital vein. In the antecubital fossa it lies between the biceps tendon medially and the brachioradialis laterally, making it the standard forearm vein for PICC catheter placement.

Region: Forearm

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The median antebrachial vein is the primary target for PICC line insertion in the mid-forearm: its midline course allows catheter advancement to the superior vena cava under fluoroscopic guidance from a forearm approach, avoiding the antecubital fossa elbow flexion complications of PICC lines inserted at the cubital fossa. The brachial artery lies deep to the lacertus fibrosus at the antecubital fossa where the median vein drains — its inadvertent arterial puncture during antecubital venepuncture produces a deep antecubital haematoma.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

PICC Insertion via Median Antebrachial Vein

Mid-forearm PICC insertion into the median antebrachial vein avoids the antecubital fossa and allows the arm to be fully flexed without catheter kinking; ultrasound guidance identifies the vein in the mid-forearm subcutaneous tissue and confirms advancement into the basilic or median cubital system before threading the catheter to the superior vena cava-right atrial junction.