Anatomy of the great and small saphenous veins

Abstract

Varicose veins are by far the most frequent illness phlebologists deal with. Great and small saphenous vein are nearly always involved in the pathological recirculation. Their anatomy is constant, excepting for variation in their course and junctions. In times where we can apply patient tailored treatments, adapting different techniques and strategies to the findings, we can offer the least harming method after analyzing the anatomy of the patient and perhaps reduce recurrence rate. Today ultrasound is the gold standard to explore varicose veins. Thus, information about anatomy of superficial leg veins has to be implemented with the ultrasound anatomy of the situs. The present article describes the anatomy of the saphenous veins with schematic images and ultrasound examples of the typical findings.

Key words

great saphenous vein - small saphenous vein - saphenofemoral junction - saphenopopliteal junction - muscle veins

Schlüsselwörter

V. saphena magna - V. saphena parva - saphenofemoraler Übergang - saphenopoplitealer Übergang - Venenstern - Muskelvenen

Publication History

Article published online:
17 February 2021

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