The goal of this procedure is to anastomose the cephalic vein, located in the superficial fascia lateral (or dorsal) to the brachioradialis tendon, to the radial artery, located deep to the deep fascia and medial to the brachioradialis tendon. An incision 1 cm lateral to the axis of the radial artery, or directly over the brachioradialis tendon, will provide access to both of these vessels. A longitudinal incision carries less risk of dividing the sensory nerves in this area, which are branches of the superficial branch of the radial nerve. These branches frequently communicate with branches of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve, a sensory branch of the musculocutaneous nerve. This incision can also easily be extended. The cephalic vein begins on the dorsum of the hand over the anatomic snuffbox, draining the lateral aspect of the dorsal venous arch. At approximately the junction of the distal and medial thirds of the forearm, it courses from the lateral aspect of the forearm to lie on its anterolateral surface. Distal to the cubital fossa, it has a wide communication with the median cubital vein, which is an oblique communication with the basilic vein. In the cubital region, there is typically a large communication between the superficial cephalic or median cubital vein and the deep venous drainage in the cubital fossa. The cephalic vein usually is accompanied by branches of the superficial radial nerve.