Anatomical Patterns of the Above Knee Great Saphenous Vein and its Tributaries: Implications for Endovenous Treatment Strategy

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study was to analyse the anatomical patterns of the above knee great saphenous vein (GSV) and its tributaries in limbs with varicose veins in view of potential suitability for endovenous treatment. Methods: Limbs of a consecutive series of new patients with varicose veins presenting at the phlebologic clinic during a 4 month period were studied. In 73 limbs of 56 patients with varicose veins and both saphenofemoral junction and GSV reflux, anatomical patterns of the above knee GSV were defined as :

-‘complete’ GSV: main trunk visualised within the saphenous compartment from the groin to the knee

-‘incomplete’ GSV: main trunk partially visualised from the groin to mid thigh with a non-refluxing mostly hypoplastic distal GSV and a superficial tributary vein (STV) parallel to the GSV.

Results: 51 limbs (70 %) had a ‘complete’ GSV. In 4 of these 51 limbs reflux passed from the main GSV trunk to a STV at mid thigh level leaving a non-refluxing part of the GSV from mid thigh to the knee.

Conclusion: In only 64% of limbs with varicose veins the entire above knee GSV was involved in the disease. This may have implications for endovenous treatment strategy.

Key Words:

• Great saphenous vein
• anatomy
• duplex ultrasound
• endovenous treatment

Additional information

Notes on contributors

M.G. De Maeseneer

Prof. Dr. M. De Maeseneer, M.D., Ph.D. University Hospital Antwerp Department of Thoracic and Vascular surgery Wilrijkstraat 10 2650 Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium E-mail: [email protected]