ABSTRACT
Surgical intervention has been revolutionised by the development of endovenous techniques, and level 1 evidence has demonstrated that treatment can be associated with very high clinical- and cost-effectiveness. The venous system of the lower limb can be divided anatomically into the superficial venous system, which is located within the superficial tissues, and the deep venous system, beneath the deep fascia of the leg, accompanying the arterial tree. The small saphenous vein originates from the lateral side of the dorsal venous arch and accompanies the sural nerve as it passes posterior to the lateral malleolus, then upwards in the posterior midline of the leg. The purpose of the venous system is primarily to return blood back to the heart so that it can be delivered into the pulmonary circulation. In clinical practice, patients are normally categorised as having ‘varicose veins’ or ‘venous ulcers’.
