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Great saphenous vein

The great saphenous vein (GSV) or long saphenous vein (/səˈfiːnəs/) is a large, subcutaneous, superficial vein of the leg. It is the longest vein in the body, running along the length of the lower limb, returning blood from the foot, leg and thigh to the deep femoral vein at the femoral triangle.

Great saphenous vein

Dorsal venous arch of the foot, and others

Femoral vein

vena saphena magna

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: The great saphenous vein, like other superficial veins, can become varicose; swollen, twisted and lengthened, and generally considered to be unsightly. Varicose veins are not life-threatening and various treatment options are available. However, when the diameter of the vein is too large for the valves within it to coapt completely, the resulting condition, chronic venous insufficiency, can result in skin color changes in the calf and ulcers that may persist for years if the vein is not ablated.

Varicose veins

: The GSV can thrombose. This type of phlebitis of the GSV is usually not life-threatening in isolation; however, if the blood clot is located near the sapheno-femoral junction or near a perforator vein, a clot fragment can migrate to the deep venous system and to the pulmonary circulation. Also it can be associated with, or progress to a deep vein thrombosis which must be treated promptly. So a GSV thrombosis is investigated by ultrasonography to detect if these complications are present.[4]

Thrombophlebitis

Etymology[edit]

The terms "saphaina" (Greek, meaning "manifest", "to be clearly seen") and "safoon" (Hebrew, "ספוּן" meaning "hidden/covered") as well as "safin" (Arabic, "صَافِن" meaning "deep/embedded")[6] have been claimed as the origin for the word "saphenous".[6]

Superficial veins of lower limb. Superficial dissection. Anterior view.

Superficial veins of lower limb. Superficial dissection. Anterior view.

Great saphenous vein. Deep dissection. Anterior view.

Great saphenous vein. Deep dissection. Anterior view.

Illustration depicting veins of the leg including great saphenous vein (anterior view).

Illustration depicting veins of the leg including great saphenous vein (anterior view).

(CABG)

Coronary artery bypass grafting

Saphena varix

Varicose veins

- Stedman's medical dictionary.

Great saphenous vein

at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center

Anatomy photo:11:02-0102

at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center

Anatomy photo:11:03-0105

Medical.com: 278

Mnemonics