[Anatomical basis for the surgical use of the cephalic vein (V. Cephalica). 74 anatomical dissections. 189 surgical dissections].

The delto-pectoral portion of V. Cephalica was dissected 189 times during surgery and 74 times on cadavers. In 8 out of 10 cases the disposition was of the classical type and the diameter was wide enough to allow catheterization with a 3,4 mm catheter. In 2 out of 10 cases the vein was absent or toothin. This anomaly was most often unilateral with a normal disposition on the other side in 2/3 of cases.