The anatomy of the superficial veins of the lower limb varies enormously from one individual to another, to such a degree that physicians specialized in veins, surgeons and phlebologists, generally map the superficial veins before undertaking treatment of varicose veins.

This site is designed to bring together the clinical, ultrasonographic, phlebographic, endoscopic and surgical anatomical data. Our objective was to compile a practical atlas of functional anatomy in which veins are not just described according to their origins, courses and terminations.

This is a practical atlas because, by following the movement of reflux, the plan of this book follows that of the clinical and ultrasonographic examination. It is also a practical atlas because it deals, in particular, with the practical and therapeutic consequences, for example postoperative recurrences, of each anatomical structure whose variability is defined on the basis of data in the literature, but also based on our own experience.

This atlas presents a functional anatomy, as it describes the principal sources of reflux and defines the list of “traps” related to variations of the course of superficial veins. It is also a functional anatomy because the vein is not just a simple passive tube, but an organ in its own right, ensuring its drainage f unction with amazing capacities of adaptation, recovery, or even neogenesis. A functional anatomy because our description of superficial veins must also include the particular hemodynamic aspects related to the situation of certain veins (veins arising in the pelvis, saphenous terminations, gastrocnemius veins).

The recent development of outpatient surgical techniques for varicose veins does not mean that procedures can be performed blindly. On the contrary, these new methods must be based on careful mapping of the veins, meticulous dissection of venous junctions and a rational consideration of hemodynamic conditions. These procedures must therefore be based on precise anatomical and functional data, such as the data presented here with the support of Les Laboratoires Servier.

Ph. Blanchemaison     Ph. Greney