Anatomical patterns of the above knee great saphenous vein and its tributaries: implications for endovenous treatment strategy.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Philipsen
T E
TE
Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium.
De Maeseneer
M G
MG
Vandenbroeck
C P
CP
Van Schil
P E
PE
D000328:Adult; D017130:Angioplasty; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005268:Femoral Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007717:Knee; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery