The cephalic vein in microsurgery
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Updated: Nov 8, 2026

Creating Radio-cephalic Arteriovenous Fistula in the Forearm with a Modified No-Touch Technique
Published on: April 1, 2022
1Division of Plastic Surgery, Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, PA.
Abstract:
A working knowledge of the venous anatomy is seldom emphasized but is an essential element in all microvascular procedures. The cephalic vein has been chosen here to serve as a model, since it is an important source for both afferent and efferent flow for flap transfers as well as in limb replantations. The better known, lower extremity superficial veins, especially as a source for long vein grafts, are not necessarily the best option. The cephalic vein represents the most versatile of the large superficial veins of the upper extremity and has numerous roles in microsurgery other than as a viable alternative for vein grafts.
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