The anatomical variation to be considered in upper extremity blocks: double axillary vein

Ali İhsan Uysal, Eylem Tarakçı, Başak Altıparmak, Semra Demirbilek, Metin Özcan

Department of Anesthesia and Reanimation, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Training and Research Hospital, Muğla, Turkey

Keywords: Upper limb nerve blockade, anatomic variation, double axillary vein.

Abstract

Upper limb nerve blocks are often implemented as a method for the treatment of chronic pain and surgery. The anatomical variatons of block area should be noted. The possibility of complication like intravascular enjection increases in patients with anatomical variation of double axillary vein. It would be beter to apply upper extremity blocks with ultrasound for identifying possible double axillary vein and avoiding intravascular injection. Hydrolocalization can be useful for removing artery from vein when faced with a variation of double axillary vein.