Examination of Superficial Veins in the Presence of Deep Venous Disease

Abstract

Deep venous disease may lead to secondary pathologies in the superficial veins and vice versa. A patient with existing incompetence in a superficial vein may also develop deep vein thrombosis and deep venous reflux. In this case two pathologies can occur in the same leg, namely, the aftermath of a deep vein thrombosis plus pre-existing disease in the superficial system. Regardless of the chronological order of disease and the mechanisms giving rise to them, special care must be taken when examining the superficial vein system in the presence of deep venous pathology. This is of particular importance when choosing the appropriate surgical treatment.