Saphenous vein

The paravian saphenous vein (VSP) begins behind the lateral external ankle as a continuation of the lateral marginal dorsal vein of the foot. It leads over the back of the calf to the knee bend. In most cases, the VSP enters the V. poplitea about 5-7 cm above the knee joint gap. It is also possible to enter muscle veins or to perform a cranial extension as V. femoropolitea.

In view of this variance of the popliteal crosses, the exact identification of the orifice region is extremely important in a truncal varicosis of the VSP. Duplex sonographic imaging is essential for planning an intervention.

A cranial extension of the VP with entry into the VSM is called Giacomini vein or V. circumflexa femoris posterior.

Like the V. saphena magna, the PP lies in a fascial compartment, which also forms a so-called saphenous eye in the distal part. The VSP partially runs in the proximal part in the subfascial space. It can sometimes have two to three venous stems, which extend over a variable distance within the compartment.

1. Mendoza E et al.(2016) Duplex anatomy of the superficial leg veins. Vasomed 28: 32-38
2. Noppeney T et al (2010) Operative techniques in stem and lateral branch varicosis. In: T Noppeney, H Nüllen Diagnosis and therapy of varicosis. Springer Medicine Publishing House Heidelberg p.305-314
3. Reich-Schupke S (2015) Anatomy of the venous system of the legs. In: Endovenous procedures. Schattauer-Verlag. Stuttgart. S. 1-36