ANATOMY

Basilic Vein originates from the medial side of the Dorsal Venous Network of Hand (network of veins form by dorsal metacarpal veins) travelling the base of the Forearm. Its passage is visible in the skin because of its travelling in the Subcutaneous Fat and Fascia which lie on the superior to muscles. Basilic Vein joins with the Cephalic Vein, which is one of the superficial veins of upper region. They are joined through the Medial Cubital Vein also known as Medial Basilic Vein. As the Basilic Vein goes down in the medial side between the Elbow and Shoulder, it perforates the Brachial Fascia above the Medial Epicondyle or mid arm. Anterior and posterior Circumflex Humeral Veins lie around the border of Teres Major Muscle feed into the Basilic Vein.

FUNCTION

Basilic vein plays a key role in the draining of deoxygenated blood from both arms and the hands. Then this blood is carried through these veins to the lungs for reoxygenation.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Vascular surgeons utilize the Basilic Vein to create Arteriovenous Fistula or AV graft for the patients suffering with Renal Failure (kidneys fail to filter waste) for Hemodialysis access (Extracorporeal removal of waste products).