This document provides details on the anatomy and surgical procedures related to varicose veins in the lower extremities. It begins with an introduction to the venous drainage system including deep, superficial, and perforating veins. It then describes the long saphenous vein, short saphenous vein, and deep veins in the lower limb. Surgical modalities for treating varicose veins including ligation and stripping, ligation of perforators, sclerotherapy, laser ablation, and radiofrequency ablation are mentioned. Steps for long and short saphenous vein surgery and post-operative care are outlined. Potential complications are also noted.

1. Dr Milind Patil
Dr Dipen Patel
2nd year Residents
Surgical ‘F’ unit

2. Introduction
 The venous drainage system of the lower extremity
consists of three sets of veins:
 Deep veins,
 Superficial veins
 Perforating veins.
 All veins contain delicate one-way valves that
normally open to allow blood to flow toward the heart
and prevent blood from flowing in a retrograde
fashion after the valves close .

3. Veins of lower limb
 1: Superficial veins:
Long saphenous vein
Short saphenous vein
2: Deep veins :
Anterior & Posterior Tibial veins
Peroneal vein
Popliteal vein
Femoral vein
3: Perforator veins

4. Long saphenous vein (LSV)
 Largest and longest
superficial vein of the limb.
 Begins on the dorsum of foot
from medial end of dorsal
venous arch.
 Run 1 to 1.5 inch anterior to
the medial malleolus ,along
the medial side of the leg ,
and behind knee .

5.  At the ankle the
position of the LSV is
constant , lying in the
groove b/w the anterior
border of the medial
malleolus and tendon
of tibialis anterior.

6.  In the thigh it inclines
forwards to reach the
saphenous opening where it
pierces the cribriform fascia
and opens into the femoral
vein 3-4 cm below and lateral
to the pubic tubercle.

7. The long saphenous vein and deep fascia
 In the lower 2/3 of leg and in
upper 2/3 of the thigh vein lie
on deep fascia .
 Where the vein crosses the
knee joint it become more
superficial and often
subcuticular .

8. The structures accompanying the LSV
 In the leg saphenous nerve lies in close relation with
the LSV.
 The nerve is very closely applied to the vein in lower
2/3 of leg and often injured in exploring or
stripping the saphenous vein .
 In the thigh medial femoral cutaneous nerve run in
close relation with vein .

9.  Throughout its length the LSV is accompanied by
lymphatic trunks draining the dorsum of foot and
anterior and medial aspects of the legs and thigh .
 This lymphatic drain in superficial inguinal lymph
nodes.

10. Tributaries of LSV and communication
 Just below knee LSV receive posterior arch vein
(Leonardo's vein) which collect the blood from post-
medial aspect of calf .
 Anterior veins of leg(stocking vein) ascend across
the shin and join either LSV or posterior arch vein .
 There is a free anastomosis b/w tributaries of short
saphenous vein and venous arch connecting medial
ankle perforating vein and this medial ankle
perforating veins are connected with LSV in lower
third of leg .

11. In the thigh before entering in the saphenous opening it recieves
1. Anterolateral vein
2. Posteromedial vein of thigh
3. Superficial external pudendal vein
4. Superficial epigastric vein
5. Superficial circumflex iliac vein
6. Deep External Pudendal Vein
 In the lower third of thigh long saphenous vein connect with
femoral vein in hunter’s canal by long perforating vein
( hunterian perforator)

13. Short saphenous vein(SSV)
 It begins by the fusion of
number of small veins
below and behind the
lateral malleolus . Here
vein runs with the large
sural nerve up to lower
third of leg.
 SSV is runs upward up to
the middle of the popliteal
space, where it passes deep
to fascia to enter into
popliteal vein .

14.  In the lower third of the calf it lies on the deep fascia
and cover by skin and superficial fascia .
 In the middle third of leg it enters in the intrafascia
compartment in the aponeurotic investment of the
gastrocnemius muscle .

15.  Upper third of leg it penetrates the deep fascia and
enter popliteal space and lie b/w head of two
gastrocnemius muscle which lies 1.25cm below the
transvers skin crease behind knee .
 Here SSV join popliteal vein .

16. Structures accompanying the SSV
 Sural nerve in lower third of leg
 Lymphatic trunk which drains
lateral aspect of foot and drain in
the popliteal lymph nodes.

17.  Where the vein passes through fascia Posterior
cuteneous nerve emerges out from deep to superficial.
 In the upper part of vein it communicates with LSV via
the posteromedial vein of Leg.
 SSV may run above the popliteal space and end in
deep veins in lower thigh or may end in LSV in upper
thigh.

18. Deep veins
 This veins lie in deep fascial plane and are supported
by powerful muscles of leg.
 These are
1: Anterior and posterior Tibial veins
2: Peroneal vein
3: Popliteal vein
4: Femoral vein
These veins accompany with Arteries.

20. Perforating veins
 These are communicating veins b/w superficial and
deep veins .
 Two type:
1 Indirect veins
2 Direct veins

21. 1. Indirect perforating
veins:
 These consist of small
superficial veins which
penetrate the deep fascia
to connect with vessel in
muscle and in turn end in
Deep vein.

22.  Direct perforating
veins :
 These directly connect
superficial veins with
deep veins

23. Direct perforator
 In thigh : Adductor canal
perforator connects long
saphenous with femoral vein in
lower part of adductor canal.
(hunterian’s perforator)
 In the lower thigh on medial
aspect Long SV connect
femoral vein via DODD’s
Perforator
 Below knee :
Perforator connects long SV or
post-Arch vein with posterior
tibial vein knows as BOYD’S
Perforator.
May/Kuster

24.  In leg :
1.Lateral perforator is presented at the junction of
mid & lower third of leg .It connect SSV with peroneal
vein.
2. Medially there are three perforator which connect
posterior arch vein with posterior tibial vein , know as
COCKETT’S Perforator

25.  Upper medial perforator
lies at the junction of
middle and lower third of
leg.
 Middle medial
perforator lies 4Inch
above the medial malleolus
.
 Lower medial perforator
lies posterio-inferior to the
medial malleolus .

26. Surgical modalities for Varicose
vein
o Ligation & Stripping of vein
o Ligation of Incompetent Perforators
1.Open subfascial ligation of perforators
2.Subfascial Endoscopic ligation of perforators
3,Extra fascial ligation of perforators
o Sclerotherapy
o Endovenous Laser Ablation
o Radiofrequency ablation

27. Surgery
Ligation and stripping of varicose vein :
 Indication :
 LSV /SSV incompetency .
 Perforating vein incompetency.

28. Contraindications
 DVT
 Pregnancy
 Thrombophlebitis
 Peripheral vascular disease

29. Pre-op marking of varicose vein
 As the varicose vein
disappear when pt lies
down on operating
table so its essential to
mark the course of the
major superficial
tortuous vein to be
removed.

30. Steps of surgery for LSV
 After anesthesia proper
position is given.
 The whole table is
tilted head down to an
angle of about 10
degree. (trendlenberg
position)

31.  Incisions :
1. Hockey stick incision
2. Oblique incision
Incision is kept at groin
at Saphenous opening 3-
4 cm below and lateral to
pubic tubercle.

33.  After division of deep
layer of fascia ,
saphenofemoral junction
is exposed.

34.  Then flush
saphenofemoral
ligation (&
tranfixation)
done with
ligation of all
tributaries of
long SV .

35.  Then stripper is passed
down the saphenous vein
and directed downward by
finger .
.

36.  Stripper delivered
through small incision
over ankle on medial
aspect

39.  Vein is tied with stripper
and then stripper is slowly
and steadily pulled out
through lower wound.
 The ‘vein bolus’ is
withdrawn slowly from the
lower wound.

40.  The residual veins are then ‘wormed out ‘ using
multiple stab avulsions using vein hooks ,from
the preoperative marked sites.
 Post operatively limb elevation and compression
stockings are given .

41. STEPS OF SURGERY FOR SSV
 After anesthesia proper position is given.
 The patient must be face down and the knee is flexed a
little, by placing sandbag under the ankle .
 Some prefer lateral leg position.
 The foot of the table is tilted up a little, so that legs are
above the heart.

43.  Incision is kept atleast 5 cm long, transversely across
the popliteal fossa, in one of the transverse line of skin
about the level with knee joint.
 The incision is deepened until the deep fascia and
short saphenous vein lies deep to this.
 The fascia is divided transversely in the line of
incision.

44.  The short saphenous vein is then seen or sought for
betweeen the two heads of gastrocnemius.
 As soon as the SSV is identified, it is lifted up in a pair
of artery forceps and the knee is flexed still further.
 Then flush saphenopopliteal ligation (& transfixation)
done with ligation of all the side branches of SSV, right
upto its junction with the popliteal vein.

45.  Then stripper is passed down distally, directed by
finger.
 And delivered to point below external malleous
through a small transverse incision.

46. INTRA- OPERATIVE
COMPLICATIONS OF THE
SURGERY
 BLEEDING FROM A TORN SAPHENA VARIX
 INJURY TO COMMON FEMORAL VEIN
 INJURY TOCOMMON FEMORAL ARTERY
 INJURY TO SAPHANEOUS NERVE
 INJURY TO SURAL NERVE

47. IMMEDIATE POST-OP CARE
 Three factors to be kept in mind in the first week :
 1 Maintenance of firm elastic pressure over whole limb.
 2 Regular movement and exercise of the legs
 3 Elevation of the foot of the bed 6 to 9 inches so that
the legs are just above the heart level when the patient
is in bed.

48.  POSITION :
 The foot of the bed is raised 6 to 9 inches
 Patient is not allowed more than 2 pillows.

49.  BANDAGING :
 The original firm crepe bandage put on at the
operation should remain untouched for seven days

50.  GETTING UP :
 Started 24 hrs after the operation.
 When the foot is placed on the ground for the first
time, extra firm webbing elastic bandage are placed
over knee and ankle.
 At 7 days the stitches are removed.
 A firm webbing elastic bandage from ankle to knee is
worn through-out the day for a whole fortnight.

51. Post operative complications
 Haematoma and buising
- normally bruise absorbed within 3-4 wks
- small haematos get reabsorbed large haematomas
more than 4 cm evacuated with sterile precaution under
LA with sterile precautions
 Lymphatoma
-Generally occurs on 5-6 post op day
-Get absorbed within 1-2 wks
-Should not be interveined as may lead to lymphatic
fistula formation

52.  Wound sepsis
 Post operative saphenous neuritis
 Lymphoedema of leg
 Induration of stripper tract
 DVT and embolism

53. Extra fascial ligation of
perforators(Cocketts
procedure)
 Not commonly employed
 Aim is to clear all the extrafascial veins
 More traumatic due to adherence of subcutaneous fat
and connective tissue to the fascia

54. Subfascial Endoscopic
Perforator Surgery
People who suffer
with leg ulcers due
to incompetent
venous perforators

55.  Indication :
 Incompetent perforating veins in calf with no
superficial venous reflux or no evidence of DVT on
Doppler .
 Patient with LSV / SSV varicosity with ulcer

56. Procedure
 Using spinal or general anesthesia a ¾ inch
incision is made on the inside of the calf.
 An instrument is inserted deep to the fascia of the
leg and a large balloon is inflated with water to
create a working space.
 The balloon is then emptied and the space is
insufflated with air.
 The camera is inserted and the perforator veins
can be seen in the space passing from superficial to
deep layers.

57.  Another small incision is made in the calf for passage
of another instrument.
 The perforator veins are carefully dissected,
 Clips are applied and the veins are divided if
necessary.
 All trocars are then removed and the wounds are
closed.
 The patient is generally sent home the same day of
surgery with elastic stocking.

58. Obliteration of venous lumen - Methods
1. Foam Sclerotherapy
2. Laser
3. Radiofrequency Ablation

59. Foam Sclerotherapy
 Principal :
 By injecting
sclerosant into a
varicose vein, destroy
its endothelium in
that area , and thus
induce an aseptic
thrombosis which
organises and closes
the vein.

60.  Indication :
 Residual vein after
surgery
 Large venous
telangiectases.
 Isolated small dilated
veins
 Contraindication :
 Pregnancy
 Pelvic tumor
 Sup thromboplebitis at
the time of procedure
 DVT
 Previous h/o reaction to
sclerosant

61.  SOLUTIONS :
 SODIUM TETRADECYL SULPHATE
 SOD.MORRHUATE
 HYPERTONIC SALINE SOL.
 POLYDOCANOL,SOTRADECOL
 ETHANOLAMINE OLEATE
 GLUCOSE COMBINATIONS

62. `
 PROCEDURE :
 Depending upon the size of
vein to be occluded, sclerosant
is taken in 20 ml syringe and
connected to another syringe
with 4 times the amount of air.
 By repeated to and fro motion
of the solution and air into
syringes , dense white foam is
prepared .

63.  After giving position under USG
guidance needle is inserted into
the vein .
 And sclerosant is injected into
the vein .
 Not more than 20 ml foam
should be injected at one sitting ,
 Multiple sitting may be required
for successful obliteration of vein
 The foam being dense , does not
“run-away” up the vein, it require
massaging the skin over varicose
vein.

64.  Immediately after foam
injection compression
stocking is applied and
patient is mobilized .
 Patient can go home on
the same day of
procedure.
 After 48 hr of procedure
USG is done to R/o DVT

65.  Advantage
 Cheap
 Easy to learn
 Truly an OPD procedure
 Can be repeated many
times
 No anesthesia required
 Disadvantage
 Not suitable for SFJ/SPJ
obliteration
 Thrombophebitis
 Pigmentation over skin
 More than 3 wks
compression is required

67. Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)
 Principal :
 EVLT initiate a
nonthrombotic occlusion
by direct thermal injury to
vein wall, causing
endothelial denudation ,
collagen contraction and
later fibrosis.

68.  Indication :
 Long saphenous vein
varicosity
 Short saphenous vein
varicosity
 Contraindication :
 Superficial vein
thrombophlebitis
 DVT

69. Procedure
 EVLT is done under local
anesthesia under USG
guidance.
 Varicose vein is marked
preoperatively
 Supine position is given
 Vein is canulated with 0.035” J
guide-wire via 19G needle.
 The Laser fiber is then
introduce over it under USG
guidance upto 2-3 cm distal to
SF junction.

70.  Fiber is withdrawn at the rate 1-
3mm / sec under USG guidance
.
 This laser fiber causes thermal
damage to the venous
endothelium(1000 c) and
occlusion of lumen by fibrosis.
 Immediately after procedure
compression stockings are
given.
 Patient can be discharge on
same day with good analgesics
and with compression
stockings.

71.  ADVANTAGE
 Minimal invasive
procedure
 No post op scar
 Done with local
anesthesia
 Minimal post-op pain
 Recurrence rate ( at 2
year f/u only 3%
 DISADVANTAGE
 Costly procedure
 High technical skills req
 Color Doppler and
Radiologist is req
 Skin burns
 Thrombophebitis
 Paresthesia

72. Radiofrequency Ablation
 This technique based on same
principal of EVLT
 Here instead of laser fiber ,
special heater probe is inserted
which work at 85 -120 c
 Probe directly comes in contact
with vein wall & causes tissue
damage .
 A 45 cm of vein segment takes
only 3-5 min
 Patient can directly go to home
after procedure.

73. TRIVEX
 Alternative to avulsion phlebectomy for superficial
vein excision.
 In this technique with the help of transcutaneous
light, veins are seen and extracted with the help of
suction dissector.

74. Thank You