Veins of lower limb Flashcards
What are the veins of the lower limb
Superficial, GSV, SSV
Perforators
Deep
What is the course of the GSV and its relations
GSV
Arises from medial side of dorsal venous arch
Ascends immediately in front of medial malleolus accompanied by saphenous nerve
Ascends posteriorly up leg to pass behind medial border of patella
Ascends obliquely up medial aspect of thigh
Pierces cribiform fascia at saphenofemoral junction to drain into femoral vein at saphenous opening 2.5cm inferolateral to pubic tubercle
What is the course of the small saphenous vein and its relations
Lateral dorsal venous arch
Posterior to medial malleolus
Midline of calf to pierce deep fascia over popliteal fossa to drain into politeal vein
Accompanied by sural nerve
What is the physiology of venous drainage
Calf muscle pump compresses large venous sinuses to squeeze blood into politeal vein into heart
Deep veins have bicuspid valves to prevent backflow
Muscle relaxation causes intramuscular veins to open and suck blood from the superficial system through communicating veins to drain the superficial veins
Communicating veins (perforators) contain valves which only allow one way flow of blood
What are the locations of communicating veins
Saphenofemoral junction - 2.5cm inferolateral to pubic tubercle
Hunterian perforator - mid thigh
Dodd’s perforator - distal high
Boyd’s perforator - knee/below knee
Posterior tibial perforators - 5, 10, 15cm above medial malleolus to connect posterior arch and posterior tibial vein
