Measuring diameters of great saphenous vein and common femoral vein using duplex ultrasound

Summary

For years, measurement of the diameter of the great saphenous vein and, occasionally, the common femoral vein has been a component of many clinical studies on varicose vein treatment. There is consensus that the measurements should be conducted with the patient in the standing position and with a transverse view through the vein, but no standardised site of measurement of the venous diameter has yet been established. The shape of the great saphenous vein varies greatly at the saphenofemoral junction. Due to the curvature of the great saphenous vein, it is difficult to find a point at which the transverse view measured is at right angles to the course of the vein. According to the available data, the optimal site for measuring the great saphenous vein diameter is the proximal thigh. When measuring the common femoral vein, a transverse view immediately distal to the junction of the great saphenous vein is suggested and studies have also confirmed this.

Keywords

Duplex ultrasound - great saphenous vein - common femoral vein - venous diameter

• References

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