Identification of cephalic vein in the deltopectoral groove and its surgical relevance

Introduction: Identification and recognition of the cephalic vein (CV) in the deltopectoral triangle is of critical importance when considering emergency procedures. Therefore, the present cadaveric study was undertaken to identify the CV in the deltopectoral groove and its termination in the axillary vein with respect to the relevant anatomical landmarks. Material and methods: The length of the CV was taken from the lowest limit of the deltopectoral groove to its draining point into the axillary vein. The coracoid process (CP), first costo-chondral junction (CCJ) and the midclavicular point (MCP) were used as the landmarks and their distances from the drainage point of CV into the axillary vein were measured. Results: In all cadavers, the CV traversed the deltopectoral groove and terminated into the axillary vein. The mean length of the CV was 15.46 ± 1.57 cm. The distances of its drainage point from the sternoclavicular joint, midclavicular point, first costo-chondral junction and the coracoid process were 8.26 ± 0.99 cm, 3.51 ± 0.8 cm, 5.66 ± 0.71 cm and 5.16 ± 0.8 cm respectively. Conclusion: The present anatomical study describes the location of cephalic vein in relation to the anatomical landmarks which would be commonly used in the intervention procedures in this region.