The saphenofemoral junction - Origin of high reflux - Iliofemoral and long sphenous valves
Anatomical studies on cadavers have defined the distribution
of iliofemoral and saphenous valves (Table I and
Figure 40).
|
Number
of valves
|
Frequency |
Inferior vena cava |
0 |
- |
Common iliac vein |
0 |
- |
Internal iliac vein |
0 |
- |
External iliac vein |
1 |
22-33% |
Femoral vein |
1 |
67-80% |
Superficial femoral vein |
1-4 |
(1:100%) |
Profunda femoris vein |
0 |
- |
Popliteal vein |
1 |
100% |
Long saphenous vein
reinforced ostial valve
reinforced trunk valves
fine, transparent valves
|
1
2-3
6-20
|
100% |
Table I: Distribution of iliofemoral and saphenous valves.
Paradoxically, 20% of individuals who Jack iliofemoral valves
nevertheless remain free of varicose veins, which suggests that
the ostial valve of the long saphenous vein, although directly
subjected to variations of thoracoabdominal pressure, only becomes
incompetent in the presence of a concomitant lesion of the vein
wall.
Further reading
Basmajian 1.V. The distribution of valves in the femoral, external iliac and
common iliac veins and their relationship to varicose veins. Surg Gyn Obst, 1952,
95: 537.
Powell T., Lynn R.B. The valves of the external iliac, femoral and upper third
of the popliteal veins. Surg Gyn Obst. 1951. 92 : 453.
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