The Anatomy of the Mastoid Emissary Vein and the Venous System of the Posterior Neck Region: Neurosurgical Implications

Abstract

Introduction: The venous tributaries at and around the craniocervical region are a potential source of complications from bleeding and air embolism. However, anatomic information on the venous connections is lacking in the literature. This combined anatomic and morphometric study was undertaken to analyze the mastoid emissary vein (MEV) complex which is routinely encountered in neurovascular surgery or surgery of the craniovertebral junction.