Summary
For years, measurement of the diameter of the great saphenous vein and, occasionally,
the common femoral vein has been a component of many clinical studies on varicose
vein treatment. There is consensus that the measurements should be conducted with
the patient in the standing position and with a transverse view through the vein,
but no standardised site of measurement of the venous diameter has yet been established.
The shape of the great saphenous vein varies greatly at the saphenofemoral junction.
Due to the curvature of the great saphenous vein, it is difficult to find a point
at which the transverse view measured is at right angles to the course of the vein.
According to the available data, the optimal site for measuring the great saphenous
vein diameter is the proximal thigh. When measuring the common femoral vein, a transverse
view immediately distal to the junction of the great saphenous vein is suggested and
studies have also confirmed this.
Keywords
Duplex ultrasound - great saphenous vein - common femoral vein - venous diameter
