Small saphenous vein
Relatively large superficial vein of the posterior leg
Blood vessel
The small saphenous vein (also short saphenous vein or lesser saphenous vein ) is a relatively large superficial vein of the posterior leg .
Structure
The origin of the small saphenous vein, (SSV) is where the dorsal vein from the fifth digit (smallest toe) merges with the dorsal venous arch of the foot , which attaches to the great saphenous vein (GSV). It is a superficial vein , being subcutaneous (just under the skin).
From its origin, it courses around the lateral aspect of the foot (inferior and posterior to the lateral malleolus ) and runs along the posterior aspect of the leg (with the sural nerve ), where it passes between the heads of the gastrocnemius muscle .[ 1] [ 2] This vein presents a number of different draining points.[ 1] Usually, it drains into the popliteal vein , at or above the level of the knee joint.[ 1]
Variation
Sometimes, the SSV joins the common gastrocnemius vein before draining in the popliteal vein .[ 2]
Sometimes, it does not make contact with the popliteal vein, but goes up to drain in the GSV at a variable level.[ 1]
Instead of draining in the popliteal vein, it can merge with the Giacomini vein and drain in the GSV at the superior 1/3 of the thigh.[ 1] [ 3]
Clinical significance
Varicose veins
The small saphenous vein may become varicose .[ 4] In 20% of cases, this is associated with chronic venous insufficiency .[ 5] Vein stripping is an effective treatment.[ 4]
Vein harvesting
The small saphenous vein may be harvested for transplant to elsewhere in the body, such as in coronary artery bypass surgery .[ 6] Endoscopic vein harvesting can be used to extract the vein from the leg minimally invasively .[ 6]
See also
Additional images
References
^ a b c d e Ricci, Stefano (2017-01-01), Goldman, Mitchel P.; Weiss, Robert A. (eds.), "1 - Anatomy" , Sclerotherapy (Sixth Edition) , Elsevier, pp. 1–26, doi :10.1016/b978-0-323-37726-3.00001-0 , ISBN 978-0-323-37726-3 , retrieved 2020-11-19
^ a b Myers, KENNETH; Clough, AMY (2007-01-01), Bergan, John J. (ed.), "CHAPTER 32 - Treatment of Small Saphenous Vein Reflux" , The Vein Book , Burlington: Academic Press, pp. 291–298, doi :10.1016/b978-012369515-4/50035-1 , ISBN 978-0-12-369515-4 , retrieved 2020-11-19
^ "VEINSURG - Duplex Ultrasound Investigation of the Veins in Chronic Venous Disease of the Lower Limbs-UIP Consensus Document. Part II. Anatomy" . Archived from the original on 2013-06-26. Retrieved 2013-02-10 .
^ a b Kalra, Manju; Gloviczki, Peter (2009-01-01), Hallett, John W.; Mills, Joseph L.; Earnshaw, Jonothan J.; Reekers, Jim A. (eds.), "chapter 44 - Surgical Treatment of Varicose Veins" , Comprehensive Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (Second Edition) , Philadelphia: Mosby, pp. 756–770, doi :10.1016/b978-0-323-05726-4.00046-9 , ISBN 978-0-323-05726-4 , retrieved 2020-11-25
^ Goldman, Mitchel P.; Guex, Jean-Jérôme (2017-01-01), Goldman, Mitchel P.; Weiss, Robert A. (eds.), "11 - Intravascular Approaches to the Treatment of Varicose Veins: Radiofrequency, Lasers and More" , Sclerotherapy (Sixth Edition) , Elsevier, pp. 347–364, doi :10.1016/b978-0-323-37726-3.00011-3 , ISBN 978-0-323-37726-3 , retrieved 2020-11-25
^ a b Jimenez, Juan Carlos; Smith, Joshua C. (2011-01-01), Moore, Wesley S.; Ahn, Samuel S. (eds.), "Chapter 72 - Endoscopic Vein Harvest" , Endovascular Surgery (Fourth Edition) , Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, pp. 745–750, doi :10.1016/b978-1-4160-6208-0.10072-2 , ISBN 978-1-4160-6208-0 , retrieved 2020-11-25
External links