External landmarks for identifying the drainage site of the vein of Labbe: application to neurosurgical procedures

Abstract

Introduction. The vein of Labbe is an important structure of the lateral cortical surface. However, to date, studies aimed at providing external landmarks for aiding in its identification have been scant. Therefore, the present study focussed on establishing reliable bony landmarks for localizing this deeper lying venous structure. Materials and methods. Fifteen adult cadavers (30 sides) underwent dissection of the lateral cortical brain surface with special attention given to the drainage site of the vein of Labbe into the transverse sinus. Measurements of the distance from this site to surrounding external bony landmarks were then made. Results. We found that this drainage site into the transverse sinus was 0.8-1.5 cm (mean 1.1 cm, SD 0.567) superior to the superior border of the zygomatic arch and 2 - 5 cm (mean 2.9 cm, SD 0.713) posterior to the opening of the external auditory meatus. Statistically, there was no significance between left and right sides or between sexes. Conclusions. We found that the junction between the vein of Labbe and transverse sinus may be variable. Nonetheless, additional landmarks found in this study for identifying the junction may aid in its earlier identification during surgery, potentially decreasing operative morbidity.