Duplication and positional variations of the femoral vein: a south Indian cadaveric study
摘要
Femoral vein is one of the preferred veins for venous cannulations. Its variations such as duplication are known to complicate cannulation procedures and predispose the vein to deep vein thrombosis. Hence, more data inputs about these variations are needed to strengthen literature.
MethodsThis cadaveric study aimed to document the incidence of duplication and variations in the relationship of the femoral vein with the femoral artery. Femoral veins were studied in 64 dissected lower limbs and data was tabulated.
ResultsDuplication of the lower part of the vein was observed in 42.18% limbs. Duplication of the lower part of the vein with one vein spiraling around the femoral artery was found in 1.56% specimens. Partial duplication with the duplicated segment forming a “jug handle” pattern was found in 1.56% cases. In 3.12% cases there was a partial duplication with the duplicated segment forming a “bow-string pattern”. Femoral vein lying on the medial side of the femoral artery throughout its course and lying lateral to the artery throughout its course was observed in 1.56% specimens each.
ConclusionThis study could be interesting to radiologists and vascular surgeons as the duplication of the vein and its positional variations could lead to deep vein thrombosis and make the vein vulnerable in cannulation procedures.