What is the anatomy of the ACF?
Clinically it is an important site for vascular access, arteriovenous fistula formation and peripheral nerve block. The ACF is a triangular area bounded medially by pronator teres and laterally by brachioradialis, whilst an imaginary line between the humeral epicondyles represents its base.
What is the ACF pad-venepuncture simulator?
The ACF Pad - Venepuncture simulator is a soft tissue strap-on pad for use in venepuncture training. It represents the antecubital fossa of the right human arm.
What is the accessory cephalic vein?
Medically reviewed by Healthline's Medical Network on November 4, 2014. The accessory cephalic vein is the name for a variable vein that travels alongside the forearm's radial or thumb-side border. The vein passes this way in order to get to the cephalic vein that is close to the elbow.
What is the antecubital vein?
The median cubital vein joins the two longest vessels that run up the length of your arm, called the cephalic vein and the basilic vein. Furthermore, the antecubital fossa is a main point of access for venipuncture, which could refer to either drawing blood or intravenous therapy, which is the administration of medication through a vein.
What does ACF stand for in cannulation?
[4] The antecubital fossa (ACF) and the dorsum of the hand (DOH) are the commonly preferred sites for routine venous cannulation.
What is an antecubital vein?
The median cubital vein (antecubital vein) is a prominent superficial upper limb vessel. Its location is in the cubital fossa, on the anterior/flexor aspect of the elbow joint. This region of the upper limb is sometimes referred to as the antecubital area.
Why should antecubital fossa veins be avoided for routine cannulation?
The median cubital vein of the antecubital fossa is often used, however this should be avoided wherever possible due to it being in an area of flexion and its close proximity to arteries and nerves.
How do you insert IV in antecubital?
1:457:31How to start an IV : Antecubital Fossa - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipExample if you want to start an IV on the dorsum of the hand. Then you'll want to tie offMoreExample if you want to start an IV on the dorsum of the hand. Then you'll want to tie off approximately at the middle of the forearm.
What are the 3 main veins to draw blood?
The most site for venipuncture is the antecubital fossa located in the anterior elbow at the fold. This area houses three veins: the cephalic, median cubital, and basilic veins (Figure 1).
What vein should be avoided?
While hand veins may be utilized for blood draws and intravenous infusions, veins in the feet and legs should be avoided for adults. Drawing from these sites can cause blood clotting and hemostasis.
Can you put IV in the antecubital fossa?
The most common site for an IV catheter is the forearm, the back of the hand or the antecubital fossa. The catheters are for peripheral use and should be placed where veins are easy to access and have good blood flow, although the easiest accessible site is not always the most suitable.
Which vein is best for cannulation?
The preferred sites for IV cannulationHand. Dorsal arch veins. ... Wrist. Volar aspect. ... Cubital fossa. Median antecubital, cephalic and basilic veins. ... Foot. Dorsal arch. ... Leg. Saphenous vein at the knee.
Where is the antecubital fossa located?
elbowThe Cubital Fossa is a triangular-shaped depression, located between the forearm and the arm on the anterior surface of the elbow, with the apex of the triangle pointing distally. It is also known as the “antecubital” because it lies anteriorly to the elbow.
What is the best vein to start an IV?
Since you're still learning, the natural tendency is to go for the easiest veins, often found in the antecubital fossa (AC) pit area of the elbow. Instead, challenge yourself by starting IVs on the top of the patient's hand or along the forearm.
What is an IV in the elbow called?
Peripheral intravenous lines If you're staring at an IV line in your arm, chances are it's a PIV.
How do I know if IV is in veins or arteries?
0:132:10Difference Between Artery and Vein: How to Tell Which One You're InYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUh whether you know that if your catheter is inside of an artery or a vein very quickly at bedsideMoreUh whether you know that if your catheter is inside of an artery or a vein very quickly at bedside stay at the icu. So firstly an artery classically moves away from the heart. A artery away.
What is the name of the vein that runs up the arm?
It joins the two longest vessels running up the length of your arm called the cephalic vein and the basilic vein . The basilic and cephalic veins are, like the median cubital vein, also superficial veins whose purpose is to drain the deoxygenated blood from your hands and arms back towards your heart.
Where is the basilic vein located?
These two veins are actually located in opposition to one another, meaning that, while the basilic vein runs up the underside of your forearm and along the underside of your arm, the cephalic vein runs up the top of your forearm and the outer side of your arm.
Where is the antecubital fossa?
Lesson Summary. The antecubital fossa is the shallow depression located in front of the median cubital vein of your arm. The median cubital vein joins the two longest vessels that run up the length of your arm, called the cephalic vein and the basilic vein.
Abstract
The antecubital fossa is an important site of both arterial and venous cannulation. Elbow blocks can be used in hand or forearm surgery and to supplement brachial plexus block. This article outlines the essential anatomy of this region and its clinical application.
Learning objectives
After reading this article you should be able to: • define the boundaries of the antecubital fossa • describe the contents of the antecubital fossa • list the clinical applications of elbow block
