Anatomy and anatomical variations of adrenal veins and its application to adrenal venous sampling.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to study the anatomy of the left and right main adrenal veins (LAV and RAV) and to identify their anatomical variations in order to see the practical application of these findings to adrenal venous sampling (AVS). METHODS: Our work is based on dissection of 80 adrenal glands from fresh corpses in the forensic medicine department. We studied the number, the drainage, the direction and the level of termination of the main adrenal veins. RESULTS: The average length of the LAV was 21 mm. It ended in 100% of cases at the upper edge of the left renal vein with a mean connection angle of 70° and after an anastomosis with the lower phrenic vein in 36 cases(90%). The average length of the RAV was 9 mm. It ended in 100% of cases at the level of the retro hepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) mainly on its posterior face in 21 cases (53%) and on its right lateral border in 18 cases (45%). The mean angle of the RAV in relation to the vertical axis of the IVC was 40°, with extremes ranging from 15° to 90°. CONCLUSIONS: AVS seems to be easier on the left than on the right side because of the greater length of the adrenal vein (21 mm vs. 9 mm) and a greater angle of connection (70° with the left renal vein vs. 40° with the IVC), which explains the lower success rate of cannulation and the more frequent occurrence of blood sample contamination on the right side.

Anomalous drainage of the right gonadal vein.

The present research aims to present and describe an unusual and rare anatomical variation in relation to the drainage of the right gonadal vein. This anatomical knowledge is crucial as it assists in the work of surgeons and health professionals in general. The dissection occurred in the anterior wall of the abdomen and, through observational analysis, an anatomical variation was found in the drainage of the right gonadal vein in a human cadaver, obtained by anonymous donation, male gender and without predetermined clinical characteristics, ethnicity, and age, belonging to the Padre Albino University Center collection. This research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee under protocol 12923919.8.0000.5430. The drainage of right gonadal vein is this variant occurs anastomosed with an innominate venous trunk that empties into the inferior vena cava. Furthermore, the presence of an accessory right renal vein is also noticed, which anastomoses with the innominate venous trunk and with the right renal vein, through a vein suggestively called interrenal, differing from the anatomical normality described in the literature. This variation is supposed to occur due to flaws in the development of the embryo, which generate venous changes in the origins of the right gonadal vein. Acknowledging the existence of it is relevant when performing surgical procedures in the region, as it differs from the most frequent anatomy found in the human population. The rare drainage of the right gonadal vein through an innominate trunk to the inferior vena cava and its importance is highlighted in this article.

Anatomía clínica-quirúrgica del plexo venoso vertebral del perro: una revisión de la literatura / Clinical and surgical anatomy of the dog vertebral venous plexus: a literature review

El objetivo de la presente monografía, fue actualizar la anatomía del Plexo Venoso Vertebral (PVV) del perro de relevancia clínico-quirúrgica y asimismo evaluar el cumplimiento de la Nómina Anatómica Veterinaria (NAV). Se realizaron búsquedas electrónicas utilizando 9 bases de datos, donde se revisaron un total de 49 fuentes bibliográficas. De éstas, 20 correspondieron a artículos científicos. El criterio de exclusión fue el de publicaciones con más de 10 años de antigüedad, con excepción de libros de anatomía veterinaria de referencia base. Publicaciones que no estuvieran escritas en inglés, español o portugués, fueron también excluidas. En general, en la literatura revisada, existió consenso de cuáles son los componentes del PVV, junto con una escueta descripción de éste. El componente del PVV que es más ampliamente descrito y con mayor dimensión es el Plexo Vertebral Interno Ventral (PVIV). La función de retorno venoso sanguíneo alternativo hacia el corazón es la más nombrada. La no existencia de válvulas en el PVIV, pudiese ser una condición promotora para la metástasis tumoral a través del PVV. A nivel quirúrgico, la hemorragia del PVV, representa un peligro no despreciable para la vida del paciente. Con respecto a lo revisado y discutido, se puede concluir que: i) a pesar de la escasa descripción anatómica del PVV se pudo comprender cómo éste está compuesto ii) el nivel de evidencia que avala las distintas capacidades funcionales del PVV es bajo, no obstante, la información de la presentación de la hemorragia del PVV en las distintas cirugías es mayor iii) las variadas referencias bibliográficas consultadas no respetaron la NAV actual para describir al PVV.

SUMMARY: This monograph aims to provide an update on the anatomy of the Vertebral Venous Plexus (VVP) of the dog with emphasis on its clinical and surgical relevance and to evaluate compliance of terms in the literature with Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria (NAV). Electronic searches were conducted using 9 databases, where a total of 49 bibliographic sources were reviewed. Of these, 20 consisted of scientific articles. Publications with more than 10 years old were excluded from review, except for basic reference veterinary anatomy books. Publications that were not written in English, Spanish or Portuguese were also excluded. In general, in the literature reviewed, there was consensus on what the components of the VVP are, along with a brief description of VVP. The most widely described component of the VVP is the Ven- tral Internal Vertebral Plexus (VIVP). The function of alternative venous blood return to the heart is the most frequently described. The absence of valves in the VIVP could be a promoting condition for tumor metastasis through the VVP. At the surgical level, VVP hemorrhage represents a non-negligible threat to the patient's survival. With respect to what has been reviewed and discussed, it can be concluded that: i) despite the scarce anatomical description of the VVP, it was possible to understand how it is composed ii) the level of evidence that supports the different functional capacities of the VVP is low, however, the information on the ocurrence of VVP hemorrhage in surgical procedures is greater and iii) the various bibliographical references describing the VVP did not comply with the current NAV.

A cadaveric anatomical study: anatomy and anatomical variations of left adrenal vein.

PURPOSE: Control of adrenal vein is the key of adrenal surgery. Its anatomy can present variations. Our aim was to study the anatomy of the main left adrenal vein (LAV) and its anatomical variations. METHODS: Our work is based on dissection of 40 cadavers. We studied the number of LAV and the drainage of the main adrenal vein as well as its level of termination. We measured its length, its width and the distance between its termination level and the termination level of the gonadal vein (GV). RESULTS: The average length of the LAV was 21 mm its mean width was 5 mm. It ended in 100% of cases at the upper edge of the left renal vein after an anastomosis with the lower phrenic vein in 36 cases (90%) and without anastomosis with the lower phrenic vein in four cases (10%). The left adrenal vein ended at the upper edge of the left renal vein either at the same level as the termination of the left GV in 14 cases (35%) or within the termination of the left GV in 26 cases (65%) by an average of 8 mm. The LAV was unique central vein in 22 cases (55%) and in 12 cases (30%), a major central adrenal vein with several small veins was found. CONCLUSIONS: The LAV is usually unique but there are variations in number. There are also variations in the level of its termination in the left renal vein as well as its anastomosis. During surgery, in case of difficulty, the left GV and the adrenal-diaphragmatic venous trunk could be used as benchmarks.

Exploración ecográfica venosa de los miembros inferiores / Venous ultrasound examination of the lower limbs

La metodología de estudio de las venas de las extremidades inferiores está altamente extendida y estandarizada, con la lógica variabilidad entre grupos de trabajo. En este artículo se revisa el sistema de exploración, la configuración básica del aparato de eco Doppler y la imprescindible valoración morfológica y hemodinámica de las venas. Finalmente, el autor nos sugiere su secuencia de exploración para la práctica clínica.(AU)

The methodology for studying the veins of the lower extremities is highly extended and standardized, with the logical variability between hospitals. This article reviews the systematic exploration of the veins of the lower limbs, the basic configuration of the Duplex scan, and the essential morphological and hemodynamic parameters that we have to evaluate. Finally, the author suggests his sequence of examination for the clinical practice.(AU)

Evidence that large vessels do affect near infrared spectroscopy.

The influence of large vessels on near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measurement is generally considered negligible. Aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that changes in the vessel size, by varying the amount of absorbed NIR light, could profoundly affect NIRS blood volume indexes. Changes in haemoglobin concentration (tHb) and in tissue haemoglobin index (THI) were monitored over the basilic vein (BV) and over the biceps muscle belly, in 11 subjects (7 M - 4 F; age 31 ± 8 year) with simultaneous ultrasound monitoring of BV size. The arm was subjected to venous occlusion, according to two pressure profiles: slow (from 0 to 60 mmHg in 135 s) and rapid (0 to 40 mmHg maintained for 30 s). Both tHb and THI detected a larger blood volume increase (1.7 to 4 fold; p < 0.01) and exhibited a faster increase and a greater convexity on the BV than on the muscle. In addition, NIRS signals from BV exhibited higher correlation with changes in BV size than from muscle (r = 0.91 vs 0.55, p < 0.001 for THI). A collection of individual relevant recordings is also included. These results challenge the long-standing belief that the NIRS measurement is unaffected by large vessels and support the concept that large veins may be a major determinant of blood volume changes in multiple experimental conditions.

Venous networks in the upper airways of bats: A histological and diceCT study.

Our knowledge of nasal cavity anatomy has grown considerably with the advent of micro-computed tomography (CT). More recently, a technique called diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced CT (diceCT) has rendered it possible to study nasal soft tissues. Using diceCT and histology, we aim to (a) explore the utility of these techniques for inferring the presence of venous sinuses that typify respiratory mucosa and (b) inquire whether distribution of vascular mucosa may relate to specialization for derived functions of the nasal cavity (i.e., nasal-emission of echolocation sounds) in bats. Matching histology and diceCT data indicate that diceCT can detect venous sinuses as either darkened, "empty" spaces, or radio-opaque islands when blood cells are present. Thus, we show that diceCT provides reliable information on vascular distribution in the mucosa of the nasal airways. Among the bats studied, a nonecholocating pteropodid (Cynopterus sphinx) and an oral-emitter of echolocation sounds (Eptesicus fuscus) possess venous sinus networks that drain into the sphenopalatine vein rostral to the nasopharynx. In contrast, nasopharyngeal passageways of nasal-emitting hipposiderids are notably packed with venous sinuses. The mucosae of the nasopharyngeal passageways are far less vascular in nasal-emitting phyllostomids, in which vascular mucosae are more widely distributed in the nasal cavity, and in some nectar-feeding species, a particularly large venous sinus is adjacent to the vomeronasal organ. Therefore, we do not find a common pattern of venous sinus distribution associated with nasal emission of sounds in phyllostomids and hipposiderids. Instead, vascular mucosa is more likely critical for air-conditioning and sometimes vomeronasal function in all bats.

Tentorial venous anatomy of mice and humans.

We recently described a transtentorial venous system (TTVS), which to our knowledge was previously unknown, connecting venous drainage throughout the brain in humans. Prior to this finding, it was believed that the embryologic tentorial plexus regresses, resulting in a largely avascular tentorium. Our finding contradicted this understanding and necessitated further investigation into the development of the TTVS. Herein, we sought to investigate mice as a model to study the development of this system. First, using vascular casting and ex vivo micro-CT, we demonstrated that this TTVS is conserved in adult mice. Next, using high-resolution MRI, we identified the primitive tentorial venous plexus in the murine embryo at day 14.5. We also found that, at this embryologic stage, the tentorial plexus drains the choroid plexus. Finally, using vascular casting and micro-CT, we found that the TTVS is the dominant venous drainage in the early postnatal period (P8). Herein, we demonstrated that the TTVS is conserved between mice and humans, and we present a longitudinal study of its development. In addition, our findings establish mice as a translational model for further study of this system and its relationship to intracranial physiology.

Potential of the common facial vein as a recipient vein in free flap reconstruction.

Recipient vessel selection for free flap reconstruction depends on numerous factors and may be limited due to previous treatment. Currently, little evidence is available regarding the anatomy and reconstructive potential of the common facial vein (CFV), a tributary of the internal jugular vein (IJV). The aim of this project was to determine the diameter of the CFV at various points along its course and identify suitable landmarks to locate the CFV, to consider the vessel as a potential recipient vein in free flap reconstruction. A cadaveric study was conducted by dissecting 17 embalmed neck hemi-sections in the Keele University Medical School Anatomy Suite. Our intent was to describe the gross anatomy of the CFV in terms of diameter and relation to surrounding structures. We found the mean diameter of the CFV to be 5.9 (± 1.8) mm at its termination into the IJV. We also found the mean distance of the CFV termination into the IJV from the level of the hyoid bone was 8.0 (± 4.0) mm. The diameter of the CFV could accommodate for end-to-end anastomoses to be formed with the IJV system. The diameter also suggests the vein to be appropriate for microvascular anastomosis with commonly used free flaps. The results propose that the CFV can be found within 12 mm of the level of the hyoid bone, knowledge of which could reduce operative time and site morbidity. These findings support the CFV as a potential recipient vein in free flap reconstruction of the head and neck.

Anatomical consideration of deep calf veins: application to catheter-directed thrombolysis.

PURPOSE: An antegrade approach is frequently used in catheter-directed thrombolysis to remove deep-vein thrombosis. However, the antegrade approach is difficult when accessing veins with small diameters; therefore, understanding the variation of deep calf vein is important. METHODS: This study measured the diameters and surface areas of the proximal and distal posterior tibial vein, peroneal vein, and anterior tibial vein to determine which are preferable for venous access. This study dissected 132 legs from Korean and Thai cadavers. The proximal and distal posterior tibial vein, peroneal vein, and anterior tibial vein were scanned and measured. RESULTS: The mean diameter and surface area were largest for the proximal tibial vein, at 6.34 mm and 0.312 cm2, respectively, followed by the anterior tibial vein (5.22 mm and 0.213 cm2), distal posterior tibial vein (3.29 mm and 0.091 cm2), and peroneal vein (3.43 mm and 0.081 cm2). The proximal posterior tibial vein and anterior tibial vein have large diameters and surface areas, which make them ideal for applying an antegrade approach in catheter-directed thrombolysis. CONCLUSIONS: The distal posterior tibial vein and peroneal vein are not recommended due to their smaller surface areas and also the anatomical variations therein.

Epicardial course of the musculature related to the great cardiac vein: Anatomical considerations and clinical implications for mitral isthmus block after vein of Marshall ethanol infusion.

BACKGROUND: Mitral isthmus gaps have been ascribed to an epicardial musculature anatomically related to the great cardiac vein (GCV) and the vein of Marshall (VOM). Their lumen offers an access for radiofrequency application or ethanol infusion, respectively. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of mitral isthmus gaps accessible via the GCV lumen, to assess their location around the GCV circumference, and to propose an efficient ablation strategy when present. METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients underwent VOM ethanol infusion (step 1) and endocardial linear ablation from the mitral annulus to the left inferior pulmonary vein (step 2). In cases of mitral isthmus gap, endovascular ablation of the GCV anchored wall facing the left atrium was systematically performed (step 3), while the opposite GCV free wall was targeted in case of block failure only (step 4). RESULTS: After VOM ethanol infusion and endocardial ablation, mitral isthmus block occurred in 51 patients (51%). Pacing maneuvers and activation sequences demonstrated an epicardial gap via the VOM in 2 patients (2%) and via the GCV in 47 patients (47%). In the latter case, block was achieved at the GCV anchored wall in 42 patients (89%) and the GCV free wall in 5 patients (11%). Global success rate of mitral isthmus block was 98%. No tamponade occurred. CONCLUSION: With the advent of VOM ethanol infusion, residual mitral isthmus gaps are mostly eliminated within the first centimeter of the GCV. Thorough mapping of the entire circumference of the GCV wall can help identify these epicardial gaps.

Anatomy of Left Inferior Phrenic Vein in Patients Without Portal Hypertension.

OBJECTIVE. The left inferior phrenic vein (LIPV) can be an origin of a gastrorenal shunt from gastric varices. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the angiographic anatomy of the LIPV, particularly anastomoses of the LIPV with the portal vein (PV). SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Of 240 patients with primary aldosteronism who underwent adrenal venous sampling from April 2011 to July 2019, 236 had normal liver and renal function and were included in this study. Of those patients, 214 had evaluable LIPV venography. The angiographic anatomy of the LIPV was classified as type 1 when the subdiaphragmatic transverse part of the LIPV could be visualized or as type 2 when it could not. Type 1 was subclassified into type 1a, which was defined as the transverse part of the LIPV connected with a single vein, or type 1b, which was defined as the transverse part of the LIPV connected with several veins via anastomoses. Type 2 LIPVs were subclassified into type 2a, in which the LIPV had an undeveloped vertical part; type 2b, in which the LIPV had backflow into systemic veins; or type 2c, in which the LIPV had a connection to the PV. The presence of an anastomosis with the PV was defined as the PV being visualizable on LIPV venography. RESULTS. Assessment of LIPV venography revealed type 1 in 71.5% (153/214) of patients, including type 1a (22.4%, 48/214) and type 1b (49.1%, 105/214). Type 2 LIPVs were observed in 28.5% (61/214) of patients, including types 2a (6.5%, 14/214), 2b (11.2%, 24/214), and 2c (10.7%, 23/214). An anastomosis of the LIPV with the PV was found in 28.0% (60/214) of patients, including 10.7% (23/214) with type 2c and 17.3% (37/214) with type 1 with a visible PV. The anastomoses of the LIPV with the PV were of various sizes. CONCLUSION. The angiographic anatomy of the LIPV varied and was commonly formed from several veins connected by anastomoses. An anastomosis between the LIPV and PV, which might be the origin of gastric varices, was found in 28.0% of patients.

Adopting a vein assessment tool improves procedural outcomes in double dose platelet collections - A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to determine the phlebotomy and procedural outcomes using a vein assessment tool (VAT) in Double Dose Platelet (DDP) collections by apheresis. METHODS: VAT was based on assessing vein visibility, palpation and size with maximum score of 12 and the least being 0 and the scores were graded as adequate and inadequate. A vein-viewer was used for studying cubital vein patterns (type 1-5). Phlebotomy outcome was defined based on need for re-puncture. Procedural outcomes in terms of target yield attained and RBC reinfusion completed. Chi square test and Mann- Whitney U test were used to assess the vein score and pattern against phlebotomy and procedural outcome. RESULTS: Out of 200 DDP collections, the phlebotomy was successful in 88 % with good procedural outcome in 94 % donations. The cut off in VAT scores for successful phlebotomy was ≥8 (AUC: 70 %). Median vein scores of the arm selected for phlebotomy was 9 and graded adequate in 154 (77 %) donations.Odds for successful phlebotomy was 3.7 times higher when donors had an adequate VAT grades(p = 0.003). Procedural outcomes was favourable when at least one arm had adequate VAT grade when compared to both arms being inadequate (98 % vs 82 %; p < 0.001). Phlebotomy failure was more with first time apheresis donors than repeat apheresis donors (p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: This study indicated that a VAT score with a cut off of ≥8 had better phlebotomy and procedural outcomes in DDP collections and that donor with at least one arm having the VAT score of ≥8 are preferred for DDP collections.

Importancia del sitio de terminación de la vena cefálica del antebrazo / Importance of the cephalic antebrachial vein termination site

RESUMEN: Las venas superficiales de la fosa cubital se han estudiado con varios fines, venopunciones, cateterismos, fístulas, entre otros. Se han descrito varios patrones venosos en esta región en diferentes poblaciones. En uno de estos la vena cefálica termina en la vena basílica a nivel del antebrazo generando posibles riesgos de lesiones durante la canalización. En el presente estudio se evaluaron 200 miembros superiores de 100 personas colombianas, 50 mujeres y 50 hombres, 70 de ellas nacidas en la ciudad de Bucaramanga y 30 en la ciudad de Villavicencio. Se registró el número de venas cefálicas y su sitio de terminación, en el brazo o antebrazo. El patrón venoso que predominó en ambos miembros superiores fue el tipo I. El patrón IV en el cual la vena cefálica termina en la vena basílica se presentó en 12 casos (6 %) en el miembro superior derecho y en 17 casos (8,5 %) en el miembro superior izquierdo. Se encontró dos venas cefálicas entre el 13 % y 13,5 % dependiendo del lado y tres venas cefálicas entre el 1 % y 2 %. Conocer esta particularidad de los patrones venosos podría disminuir el riesgo de complicaciones durante la venopunción.

SUMMARY: The superficial veins of the ulnar fossa have been studied for various purposes, venipuncture, catheterization, fistulae, among others. Various venous patterns have been described in this region in different populations. In one of these, the cephalic vein ends in the basilic vein at the level of the forearm, generating possible risks of injury during cannulation. In the present study, 200 upper limbs of 100 Colombians, 50 women and 50 men, were evaluated, 70 of them born in the city of Bucaramanga and 30 in the city of Villavicencio. The number of cephalic veins and their termination site, on the arm or forearm, were recorded. The venous pattern that predominated in both upper limbs was type I. Pattern IV in which the cephalic vein ends in the basilic vein occurred in 12 cases (6 %) in the right upper limb and in 17 cases (8.5 %) in the left upper limb. Two cephalic veins were found between 13 % and 13.5 % depending on the side and three cephalic veins between 1 % and 2 %. Knowing this particularity of venous patterns could reduce the risk of complications during venipuncture.

Study of Two Constraints Impacting Measurements of Human Glycemia Using a Microwave Sensor.

The measurement of glycemia is impacted by several constraints; those constraints have to be identified and quantified when designing an electromagnetic noninvasive sensor. The second phase concerns the level of the influence of these constraints. In this work, we investigated the impact of vein radius located in the forearm on a resonant microwave sensor to measure glycemia. We performed a numerical simulation using COMSOL Multiphysics of a proposed tissue model that was in contact with a microwave resonator. Some other factors affect the measurement, such as temperature, perfusion, sensor positioning and motion, tissue heterogeneity, and other biological activity. The sensor must be robust to the above-mentioned constraints. Because vein size changes from one person to another, the dielectric properties seen by the sensor will be different. This has been demonstrated by the change created in the resonance frequency of the simulated sensor for different vein sizes. The second constraint that was assessed is the dosimetry. The specific absorption rate (SAR) of any electromagnetic device should be evaluated and compared with SAR limits in the safety standards to ensure the safety of the user. Simulation results are in good agreement with SAR limits in the safety standards.

Variations in the venous supply of the floor of the oral cavity: Assessment of relative hemorrhage risk during surgery.

There is little anatomical evidence about the venous plexus in the floor of the oral cavity, although venous injury can elicit late postoperative bleeding after oral surgery and it is difficult to identify the exact location of such an injury. The aim of this study was to assess the relative risk for venous injury during surgery. We investigated the course patterns of the venous plexus in the floor of the oral cavity and analyzed their relationships to those of the arteries using 23 human cadavers (41 halves) in the anatomy course at Niigata University during 2016-2018. The venous plexus in the floor of the oral cavity comprised the perforating submental vein, the vena comitans of the hypoglossal nerve, the vena comitans of the submandibular duct, the vena comitans of the lingual nerve, the sublingual vein, and the deep lingual vein. Individual variations of this plexus include duplications or absences of some veins. There is a high incidence of a submental branch running above the mylohyoid or perforating submental artery in the sublingual fossa among individuals with the perforating submental vein piercing the mylohyoid muscle, whereas the sublingual artery has a high incidence there when there is no perforating submental vein. The course patterns of arteries in the floor of the oral cavity can be predicted by estimating the course patterns of the submental veins. The course patterns of the submental veins or veins associated with the nerves and submandibular duct need to be carefully considered during surgery.

The parietal foramen anatomy: studies using dry skulls, cadaver and in vivo MRI.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the anatomical features encountered in the parietal foramen in a series of 178 human bones and 123 head MRI examinations. A cadaveric specimen was also dissected to demonstrate the trajectory of a superficial scalp vein through the parietal foramen as far as the dura mater. A literature review was performed regarding prevalence of parietal foramen in different populations. METHODS: Totally, 178 paired adult bones were used to investigate the presence, shape and number of the parietal foramina. In addition, 123 brain MRI examinations were also studied. RESULTS: The parietal foramina were encountered in 75/89 (84.3%) skulls [32/38 (84.2%) in women vs. 43/51 (84.3%) in men, p > 0.05]. The parietal foramen was present bilaterally in 44.73% of females and 54.9% of males. Regarding unilaterality of the parietal foramen, a right or left laterality was observed in female 21% right versus 18% left; and 16% versus 14% (left) in males (p > 0.05). The accessory parietal foramen was present in the right parietal in 2.6% and in 7.9% on the left side of the females, while 5.9% and 3.9% of the males on the right or left sides, respectively. The parietal foramina located in the proximity of the sagittal suture (male 7.1 ± 2.5 mm vs. female, 7.4 ± 2.7 mm). There was a positive correlation between the right and left parietal foramina regarding the distance from the median line. The distance from a foramen to the contralateral one was 16 ± 4 mm in men and 18 ± 5 mm in women, respectively (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: No major differences were encountered between sexes regarding the anatomical features of parietal foramen.

Revisiting the Vertebral Venous Plexus-A Comprehensive Review of the Literature.

The venous drainage of the vertebral and paravertebral regions is important for a better understanding of hematogenous disease spread. Moreover, the spine surgeon must be well acquainted with this anatomy to minimize intraoperative and postoperative complications. A comprehensive review of the vertebral venous plexus (Batson plexus) was performed with a concentration on the clinical and surgical correlations of this venous network.

Surgical anatomy of the pelvis for total pelvic exenteration with distal sacrectomy: a cadaveric study.

PURPOSE: Intraoperative bleeding from the pelvic venous structures is one of the most serious complications of total pelvic exenteration with distal sacrectomy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the topographic anatomy of these veins and the potential source of the bleeding in cadaver dissections. METHODS: We dissected seven cadavers, focusing on the veins in the surgical resection line for total pelvic exenteration with distal sacrectomy. RESULTS: The presacral venous plexus and the dorsal vein complex are thin-walled, plexiform, and situated on the line of resection. The internal iliac vein receives blood from the pelvic viscera and the perineal and the gluteal regions and then crosses the line of resection as a high-flow venous system. It has abundant communications with the presacral venous plexus and the dorsal vein complex. CONCLUSION: The anatomical features of the presacral venous plexus, the dorsal vein complex, and the internal iliac vein make them highly potential sources of bleeding. Surgical management strategies must consider the anatomy and hemodynamics of these veins carefully to perform this procedure safely.