Small saphenous vein

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Small saphenous vein
Small saphenous vein and its tributaries. (Small saphenous vein labeled vertically at center.)
Details
Sourcedorsal venous arch of the foot
Drains topopliteal vein
Identifiers
Latinvena saphena parva
TA98A12.3.11.010
TA25085
FMA44333
Anatomical terminology

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

Endoscopic vein harvesting can be used to extract the vein from the leg minimally invasively.[6]

See also

Additional images

  • Cross-section through middle of leg
    Cross-section through middle of leg
  • Nerves of the dorsum of the foot
    Nerves of the dorsum of the foot
  • Veins of the leg
    Veins of the leg

References

  1. ^
    ISBN 978-0-323-37726-3
    , retrieved 2020-11-19
  2. ^
    ISBN 978-0-12-369515-4
    , retrieved 2020-11-19
  3. ^ "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.
  4. ^
    ISBN 978-0-323-05726-4
    , retrieved 2020-11-25
  5. ISBN 978-0-323-37726-3
    , retrieved 2020-11-25
  6. ^
    ISBN 978-1-4160-6208-0
    , retrieved 2020-11-25

External links
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Small_saphenous_vein&oldid=1190174149"