The GSV is a continuation of the dorsal arch in the foot and travels anterior to the medial malleolus. It then ascends along the medial aspect of the leg and thigh before it dives through the cribiform fascia to drain into the femoral vein (deep system) via the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) in the groin. As the GSV nears the SFJ, four major tributaries drain into the GSV: the superficial epigastric, superficial external pudendal, anterolateral and external circumflex iliac veins. At the level of the medial leg and knee the GSV has a close association with the saphenous nerve. The saphenous nerve is a continuation of the femoral nerve that emerges from the subsartorial canal just above the knee and provides cutaneous fibres only to the sensation of the skin over the medial aspect of the knee and leg to the ankle [5]. If the saphenous nerve is anaesthetised or damaged during treatment this will result in temporary or permanent paraesthesia over the area. Below the knee the GSV receives tributary vessels named the Anterior and Posterior Arch Branches (or tributaries).
