Variations of the superficial venous Pattern in cubital fossa among First Year Medical Students of SKIMS Medical College,Srinagar by using the Tourniquet in Right Upper limb and its importance in Laboratory Medicine

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to observe pattern of superficial veins in cubital fossa in first year MBBS students in SKIMS medical college, Srinagar. Material and methods:After applying tourniquet in right arm and taking a proper consent, the study was conducted in 100 first year MBBS students with equal participation of males and females. In a proper supine position, tourniquet was applied about 10 cm above the elbow joint for about 2 to 3 minutes until all the veins of the upper limb(especially around cubital fossa) became prominent.After that, pattern of veins was observed in the cubital fossa and photographs were taken with a digital camera.Results: We found four types of patterns of superficial veins in right cubital fossa in our subjects. Median cubital vein joining cephalic to basic vein (Type I) was most common pattern seen in both males and females (45%). Type 3i.e Cephalic vein running from lateral to medial side to join basilic vein was second most common pattern seen in cubital fossa in both genders (31%). Type 2 pattern i.e Median antebrachial vein joins basilic vein with no communication between cephalic and basilic vein was noticed in 17% in our subjects. Type 4 pattern i.e median antebrachial vein dividing into median cephalic and median basilic veins in cubital fossa to join the cephalic and basilic veins respectively, was least type of pattern seen in both males and females (7%). Statistically, the pattern of different types of superficial veins in cubital fossa was non-significant when compared to males to females.Conclusion: To avoid complications, knowledge of the patterns of superficial veins in cubital fossa is essential for medical professionals and Laboratory technicians since they play important role for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.