Abstract
Objective:
Ultrasonography of the anatomical course of the long saphenous vein (LSV) and its tributaries to produce and verify an anatomical classification (five types).
Methods:
Four hundred and ninety-three limbs (293 healthy; 200 with varicose veins, VV) were investigated by ultrasonic duplex imaging by the two authors independently, identifying the LSV as the vessel in the (ultrasonic) saphenous fascial ‘eye’ compartment (SFEC), in the thigh, and within two fascial layers between tibia and medial gastrocnemius muscle, below the knee.
Results:
Type A: LSV runs entirely in the SFEC without relevant tributaries: overall (O) 112 (23%), limbs with vv (V) 13, normal limbs (N) 99. Type B: LSV runs in the SFEC with one or more relevant tributaries below the knee: O 133 (27%), V 70, N 63. Type C: LSV runs in the SFEC with a relevant tributary above the knee: O 89 (18%), V 28, N 61. Type D: LSV runs in the SFEC from the foot upwards, continuing at the middle third of the leg in a large side vein with the calibre and role of the LSV but in a more superficial location. LSV stem is absent (or hypoplasic) in the para-tibial position. At the thigh level the tributary re-enters the true LSV: O 72 (14.5%), V 42, N 30. type E: similar to type D but the LSV is absent only at the knee level: O 72 (14.5%), V 38, N 34. Unclassified: O 15 (3%), V 9, N 6.
Conclusions:
We found a good reproducibility and clinical utility of the suggested classification. Remarks: (a) the absence (or hypoplasia) of LSV at the knee level with prevalence of a tributary in almost 30% of the limbs is of importance for arterial bypass and saphenous sparing management; (b) there is a low rate of LSV complete incompetence (6%); (c) there is a correlation between absent LSV (or presence of a relevant tributary) and the incidence of VV.