The anterior accessory saphenous vein is a superficial vein of the front of the thigh that runs parallel to and in front of (lateral to) the great saphenous vein. It usually joins the great saphenous vein close to the saphenofemoral junction in the groin. On ultrasound it lies in line with the femoral artery and vein, which helps tell it apart from the great saphenous vein.
| Origin | Superficial veins of the anterolateral thigh and knee |
|---|---|
| Course | Ascends on the front of the thigh, in its own saphenous fascial layer for part of its length, and joins the great saphenous vein near the saphenofemoral junction |
| Branches |
|
Reflux in the anterior accessory saphenous vein is a common cause of varicose veins on the front and outer thigh and of recurrent varicose veins after the great saphenous vein has been treated. It can be closed with endovenous laser or radiofrequency ablation, glue or foam, much like the main saphenous trunk. Duplex ultrasound mapping before treatment of the great saphenous vein should look for it.
After the great saphenous vein is closed, reflux can continue through the anterior accessory saphenous vein, producing new varicose veins on the anterolateral thigh that need separate treatment.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
