IntroductionVeins are of two types; superficial veins located in the subcutaneous tissue; and deep veins situated within and surrounded by the muscles, both of which are interconnected by perforating veins.1,2 Literatures described the variation in superficial veins of forearm more than deep veins.1,3The anatomically and clinically important superficial veins of the upper limb include cephalic, basilic, median cubital, and antebrachial veins.3,4 Among these, variation in median cubital vein, located at superficial fascia along the roof of cubital fossa (hollow triangular fossa in front of elbow boundary being pronator teres medially and brachioradialis laterally) has utmost clinical importance3–5 because of its accessibility and frequent use in medical procedures.6 According to studies, six different types of variations of cubital veins were identified (Figure 1, Table 1).7 Literatures suggested that cubital veins are used in many clinical purposes such as; venipuncture; blood sampling; transfusions; infusion; health screening; intravenous injections particularly in emergency situations1,3,8–10; arterial access and anesthetic nerve blocks targeting the forearm5; introducing cardiac catheters to obtain blood samples from cardiac chambers11–13; and for creating arteriovenous fistulas for dialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease.1,14,15 Therefore, understanding the anatomical variations of these veins is vital for healthcare professionals to avoid complications like hematoma, bruising, and nerve injury during procedures.16,17 These variations can make venipuncture challenging, especially for inexperienced health workers or in patients of shock, whose vessels are collapsed.18 In rare cases, complications like nerve injury and mistaken arterial punctures can occur careful anatomical consideration is not taken.17 This highlights importance of thorough knowledge of patterns of this vein of the cubital fossa to perform safe and effective medical procedures.
