The Anatomy of the Small Saphenous Vein

The small saphenous vein is a blood vessel in the lower leg. It starts from two veins in the foot and runs up the leg. Aside from the large saphenous vein, the small saphenous vein is one of the leg's major venous blood vessels.

The small saphenous vein is also known as the lesser saphenous vein. Other names include:

• Short saphenous vein
• Lesser saphenous vein
• External saphenous vein

Anatomy 

The small saphenous vein is a large superficial vein that is connected to the larger saphenous vein. 

Location 

The small saphenous vein travels from the foot, over the outer portion of the ankle, up through the calf, and eventually merges with another vein near the knee called the popliteal vein. It is located very close to the surface of the skin.

Anatomical Variations 

In a tiny percentage of the population, people have more than one small saphenous vein. In some people, the vein also drains elsewhere than the popliteal vein. For example, a rare variation involves the termination of the small saphenous vein into the femoral vein.

Function 

The small saphenous vein's primary function is to receive deoxygenated blood from the lower legs and return it to the heart. Blood from the small saphenous vein typically drains into the popliteal vein located around the knee.

Clinical Significance 

A common condition associated with the small saphenous vein is varicose veins. When the valves in the saphenous vein become faulty, venous insufficiency occurs. This can cause:

• The obvious appearance of veins on the surface of the skin
• Pain
• Swelling and tenderness
• Itching 
• Burning 
• Discoloration of the legs 

When venous insufficiency becomes a chronic problem, the saphenous vein can be shut down via endovenous ablation or removed with traditional vein stripping. This can also be performed for cosmetic reasons.

You’re more likely to develop varicose veins if you have a family history of the condition. Anything that causes increased pressure in your veins can cause varicose veins. Some things that may contribute to varicose vein development include:

• Being overweight
• Advanced age
• Inactivity
• Pregnancy
• Smoking
• Hormonal birth control
• Injury 

Females are more likely to develop varicose veins compared to males.

Sometimes, surgeons transplant the small saphenous vein elsewhere in the body. An example of a type of surgery where this vein is harvested is coronary bypass surgery.

Blood clots can also form in the small saphenous vein. When a clot involves a vein, it’s called superficial thrombophlebitis. People with varicose veins often develop this type of clot. You can also develop this kind of blood clot if you have a condition that limits blood flow. If you’re pregnant or immobile because of an illness, you may also develop these clots. 

In severe cases, a life-threatening infection can accompany this type of clot. People who inject drugs into their veins have a higher risk of developing a severe infection due to a venous blood clot. 

If you have a superficial blood clot of the small saphenous vein, you may experience pain, redness, and swelling. The skin in your leg may also feel hot to the touch.

Treatment for this condition involves elevating the legs, resting, and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) to reduce swelling. If you also develop an infection, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics.