Minor tributary veins of the common femoral vein near the saphenofemoral junction – A postmortem study

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (10) ◽  
pp. 792-798
Author(s):  
Dominic Mühlberger ◽  
Achim Mumme ◽  
Markus Stücker ◽  
Erich Brenner ◽  
Thomas Hummel

Objectives Recurrent varicose veins after surgery are a frequent burden and the saphenofemoral junction is the most common source of reflux. Pre-existing branches of the common femoral vein near the saphenofemoral junction, which may increase due to haemodynamic or other reasons, could play a role in the development of recurrent varices. There exist only a few anatomical data about the prevalence of these minor venous tributaries of the common femoral vein near the saphenofemoral junction. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate their frequency and distribution. Method A total of 59 veins from 35 anatomical donors were dissected. The common femoral vein with the adherent parts of the profunda femoris vein and the great saphenous vein was exposed and analysed ex situ. The number of minor tributaries to the common femoral vein was counted and their distances to the saphenofemoral junction as well their diameters were measured. Results We could identify up to 10 minor tributaries of the common femoral vein below the level of the great saphenous vein as far as 6 cm distally and up to four veins above the level as far as 5 cm proximally. The mean diameters of these vessels ranged from 0.5 to 11.7 mm. Most of these vessels were located near the saphenofemoral junction and 3 cm distally. Directly opposite to the opening of the great saphenous vein we could find at least one minor tributary of the common femoral vein in 57%. Conclusions There exist a vast number of minor tributaries of the common femoral vein and they are mainly located near the saphenofemoral junction. Nevertheless, their role in the development of recurrent varices is still unclear and further studies are necessary.

Phlebologie ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (01) ◽  
pp. 5-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Amsler ◽  
E. Mendoza

SummaryIntroduction: Since it’s description the CHIVA strategy was performed with surgical techniques. After the introduction of endoluminal heat techniques these might be applied also in the CHIVA context.Method: 104 patients were investigated before and 3–6 months after the treatment of the great saphenous vein (GSV) with CHIVA strategy using enoluminal heat techniques to close the groin segment (VNUS Closure-Fast™ or LASER [1470 nm, Intros radial]). General data (age, sex, BMI) and phlebological data (QoL as reflected in VCSS, clinics as C[CEAP], refilling time after muscle pump measured with light reflection rheography, diameters of GSV at the groin and proximal thigh, as well as diameters of the common femoral vein) were measured and compared.Results: Significant reduction of diameters of GSV at proximal thigh from 6.5 ± 1.6 to 3.7 ± 1.1 and VFC from 15.2 ± 2.3 to 14.8 ± 2.2 were recorded, as well as reduction of clinical scores (VCSS from 5.6 ± 3.1 to 2.2 ± 2 and C[CEAP] from 3.2 ± 1 to 2.1 ± 1.1). Refilling time improved from 20.3 ± 11 to 28.8 ± 10.2. Results are comparable to those achieved after surgical crossectomy and published in other series.Conclusion: The disconnection of the insufficiency point at the saphenofemoral junction seems to be possible in the context of CHIVA Strategy applying endoluminal heat technique. No difference could be found between both techniques, Laser or VNUS Closure-Fast™.


1995 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 132-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. M. Somjen ◽  
J. Donlan ◽  
J. Hurse ◽  
J. Bartholomew ◽  
A. H. Johnston ◽  
...  

Objectives: To clarify reflux patterns in the sapheno-femoral junction in legs with varicose veins that display incompetence in the proximal long saphenous vein on duplex scan examination. Patients and method: One hundred consecutive extremities were selected for ultrasound studies. Venous reflux was examined in the common femoral vein and long saphenous vein at five selected levels in the vicinity of the sapheno-femoral junction. Results: Duplex ultrasound examination confirmed that in 44 extremities reflux was detectable both in the long saphenous vein and common femoral vein indicating ‘true’ sapheno-femoral incompetence. In 56 legs reflux was limited to the long saphenous vein, whilst the first saphenous valve remained competent. The ultrasound examination suggested that in these cases the reflux originated from the numerous tributaries of the proximal long saphenous vein. Conclusion: Our findings emphasize the transfascial escape (reflux from the deep veins) is not a necessary precondition of long saphenous vein incompetence and related varicose veins.


2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 172-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panos Souroullas ◽  
Rachel Barnes ◽  
George Smith ◽  
Sandip Nandhra ◽  
Dan Carradice ◽  
...  

Background The intraoperative anatomy of the saphenofemoral junction can vary from the ‘textbook’ description of six independent proximal tributaries: three medial – superficial external pudendal, deep external pudendal and the posteromedial thigh branch – and three lateral – superficial epigastric, superficial circumflex iliac and the anterolateral thigh branch. Varicose veins can recur following inadequate initial open surgery with failure to identify, ligate and divide these tributaries. An appreciation of common anatomical variations could minimise recurrence rates following surgery. This study aimed to identify common anatomical variations within our patient cohort. Methods This prospective observational study documented diagrammatically the anatomy of saphenofemoral junction in a consecutive series of 172 patients undergoing unilateral, primary saphenofemoral junction ligation for symptomatic superficial venous insufficiency. Diagrams recorded the number of tributaries and their relationship to the saphenofemoral junction, the existence of bifid systems and the relationship of the external pudendal artery to the saphenofemoral junction. Results In sum, 110 women and 62 men with a mean age of 47.2 (IQR 21–77) years were studied. The median number of saphenofemoral junction tributaries was 4 (IQR 0–7). In 74 cases (43.0%), at least one tributary drained directly into the common femoral vein (IQR 0–4), commonly the deep external pudendal (91.9%). The anterolateral thigh branch was identified in 62 cases (35.8%) and the posteromedial thigh branch in 93 cases (53.8%). The external pudendal artery was identified in 150 cases (87.2%) and was superficial to the great saphenous vein in 36 cases (20.9%). Conclusions Significant variations exist in the saphenofemoral junction anatomy. Familiarity with anatomical saphenofemoral junction variations is imperative to ensure operative success and reduce recurrence. Thorough dissection of the common femoral vein is necessary not only to ensure all proximal tributaries are identified and ligated but also as a safety mechanism in preventing avulsion trauma of direct common femoral vein tributaries.


Phlebologie ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 43 (05) ◽  
pp. 263-267
Author(s):  
E. Mendoza

SummaryFor years, measurement of the diameter of the great saphenous vein and, occasionally, the common femoral vein has been a component of many clinical studies on varicose vein treatment. There is consensus that the measurements should be conducted with the patient in the standing position and with a transverse view through the vein, but no standardised site of measurement of the venous diameter has yet been established. The shape of the great saphenous vein varies greatly at the saphenofemoral junction. Due to the curvature of the great saphenous vein, it is difficult to find a point at which the transverse view measured is at right angles to the course of the vein. According to the available data, the optimal site for measuring the great saphenous vein diameter is the proximal thigh. When measuring the common femoral vein, a transverse view immediately distal to the junction of the great saphenous vein is suggested and studies have also confirmed this.


2011 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 179-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Tasch ◽  
E Brenner

Background Venous valves have been classified into parietal (PVs) and ostial valves (OVs). PVs are located within the lumen of veins, whereas the OVs are located directly at the confluence of two veins. In the common femoral vein (CFV), the most prominent PVs are the suprasaphenic and infrasaphenic valve. The terminal valve (often designated as ‘valvule ostiale’ in the relevant literature in French) defined as that lying between the orifice of the great saphenous vein (GSV) and the most proximal of the major superficial tributary veins and the preterminal valve represent the most important PVs in the GSV. While PVs are well studied, there is not much literature on the OVs of the superficial venous system, especially of the GSV. Objective In order to investigate the presence of OVs (defined strictly as valves located at the entrance of a tributary vein) in the GSV, we carried out studies on specimens obtained from bodies bequested to the Division of Clinical and Functional Anatomy of Innsbruck Medical University. Methods Ninety-eight specimens consisting of the CFV and the attached tributary veins including the GSV were investigated. Results In five of these (5.1%), a single-cusped OV, in six (6.1%) a two-cusped OV and in 10 (10.2%) remnants of an OV were identified. Thus, OVs do not seem to be primarily present in all GSVs. Conclusion The distinction between PVs and OVs is not always clear in literature, and as a consequence misinterpretations may occur. Very often the terminal valve of the GSV, which is in fact a PV, is designated as an ‘ostial valve’. In view of its widespread use, we suggest that the term ‘ostial valve’ together with its clear description be included in the consensus documents of the ‘Union Internationale de Phlébologie’.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raeed Deen ◽  
Andrew Bullen

Endovenous glue ablation for lower limb varicose veins is growing in popularity due to its safety and efficacy. Of significant concern is glue-associated thrombus extension into deep veins. We present a case of thrombus extending into the common femoral vein following endovenous glue ablation for varicose veins with the VenaSealTM closure system (VCS; Medtronic). A 63-year-old man who presented with symptomatic varicose veins had incompetence of the saphenofemoral junction. He underwent endovenous glue ablation using VCS closure. At 1 month, improvement in varicosities was mirrored by duplex ultrasound confirmation of successful long saphenous vein ablation, but ultrasound indicated thrombus extending into the common femoral vein. This was managed by surveillance duplex and serial clinical observation, with spontaneous resolution at 12 months. With increasing use of VCS for varicose veins, it is likely that thrombotic complications of the deep veins will be encountered more frequently. It is time for formulation of guideline-based management of this complication.


1987 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.M. Glass

Recurrence of varicose veins after surgical treatment by ligation and transection has been usually attributed to development of varicosity in veins collateral to the transected vessels. Early studies reported regeneration of the great saphenous vein at the site of previous transection. The present study in the rat was undertaken to determine whether restoration of normal venous circulation in a limb after surgical interruption of the main vein develops through enlargement of collateral veins or by restoration of continuity of the interrupted vein as a result of neovascularization at the site of ligation. Following ligation in continuity or ligation and surgical transection of the rat common iliac or femoral vein, phlebographic, surgical exploratory and histological studies showed restoration of its continuity through newly formed vessels. These findings suggest that in recurrence of varicose veins the roles of neovascularization and of collateral veins deserve further investigation.


2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 334-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Francois Uhl ◽  
Miguel Lo Vuolo ◽  
Nicos Labropoulos

Objective To describe the anatomy of the lymph node venous networks of the groin and their assessment by ultrasonography. Material and methods Anatomical dissection of 400 limbs in 200 fresh cadavers following latex injection as well as analysis of 100 CT venograms. Routine ultrasound examinations were done in patients with chronic venous disease. Results Lymph node venous networks were found in either normal subjects or chronic venous disease patients with no history of operation. These networks have three main characteristics: they cross the nodes, are connected to the femoral vein by direct perforators, and join the great saphenous vein and/or anterior accessory great saphenous vein. After groin surgery, lymph node venous networks are commonly seen as a dilated and refluxing network with a dystrophic aspect. We found dilated lymph node venous networks in about 15% of the dissected cadavers. Conclusion It is likely that lymph node venous networks represent remodeling and dystrophic changes of a normal pre-existing network rather than neovessels related to angiogenic factors that occur as a result of an inflammatory response to surgery. The so-called neovascularization after surgery could, in a number of cases, actually be the onset of dystrophic lymph node venous networks. Lymph node venous networks are an ever-present anatomical finding in the groin area. Their dilatation as well as the presence of reflux should be ruled out by US examination of the venous system as they represent a contraindication to a groin approach, particularly in recurrent varicose veins after surgery patients. A refluxing lymph node venous network should be treated by echo-guided foam injection.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-101
Author(s):  
Vasanthakumar Packiriswamy ◽  
Satheesha B Nayak

Knowledge of normal as well as variant great saphenous vein is useful as it is the vein that can get varicosed; the vein that is used in bypass surgeries and the vein that is used for cannulation purpose. We observed almost complete duplication of the great saphenous vein in the left lower limb of an adult male cadaver. Both the great saphenous veins arose from the medial end of the dorsal venous arch and coursed parallel to each other throughout the limb. They united in the femoral triangle to form a short (1 inch long) common great saphenous vein. Common great saphenous vein terminated into the femoral vein. There were four communicating veins connecting the two great saphenous veins in the leg, giving the appearance of a venous ladder. Knowledge of this variation could be extremely useful in treatment of varicose veins of lower limb, in catheterizations and in various surgical procedures of the lower limb.


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