The basilic vein is a superficial vein that travels along the medial, or inner, aspect of the forearm and upper arm before diving deep to join the brachial veins and form the axillary vein. In sonography, the basilic vein is frequently evaluated during upper extremity venous duplex examinations to check for deep vein thrombosis, especially in patients with arm swelling or those who have peripherally inserted central catheter lines. The basilic vein is also commonly used for creating dialysis access fistulas because of its favorable size and location. On ultrasound, the normal basilic vein should compress completely with gentle probe pressure and show normal respiratory phasicity on Doppler.
Sonography Term