Phlebologia

The superficial dermal and subdermal venous network, also called Lejars’ plexus, is composed of very fine venules, less than 1 mm in diameter (Figures 109 et 110). They line the entire plantar surface of the feet, including the plantar arch and heel. The constituent venules of this superficial network drain into marginal veins of the foot via numerous small valve-bearing collectors. The deep plantar venous arch constitutes the true blood reservoir of the venous pump of the foot. It comprises…

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All the perforating veins of the foot are derived from the very large medial and lateral plantar veins. Perforating veins of the medial surface of the foot, are the most developed (Figure 107). These veins can be divided into three groups, named in relation to a palpable bony landmark: • Posterior group This perimalleolar group comprises a main medial inframalleolar element (2 to 3 mm), which sometimes receives a perforating vein of the ankle, above the bimalleolar line, or a…

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The role of the plantar venous pump can be more clearly understood by a precise description of the general arrangement of the veins of the foot. These veins are superimposed on four planes, from the sole upwards: Plantar cutaneous venous plexus This plexus is often wrongly considered to be the blood reservoir of the plantar pump. In fact, it is composed of subcutaneous and dermal venous plexuses which constitute Lejars’ venous plexus. Medial and lateral plantar veins These very large…

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