The Intersaphenous Veins in the Leg: Anatomical Considerations

Abstract

Background

The intersaphenous veins are inconstant veins interconnecting the great and the small saphenous veins. Due to the inclination of the superficial venous system to be rather inconsistent, this topic has never been described thoroughly and adequately before. The aim of our research was to observe intersaphenous veins and give a profound description of their variable anatomy.

Methods

Sixty-three body donor limbs of Central European origin embalmed in formaldehyde were dissected. The tips of the medial and lateral malleoli were selected as suitable points of reference for measurements on the vertical axis of the leg. Additionally, each fibula was measured and related to the average length of the fibula in our examined sample. Consequently, each measurement was recalculated by this coefficient.

Results

Five types of arrangement were described: no connection (22.22%), one connection (46.03%), two connections (19.05%), three connections (11.11%), and four connections (1.59%). The average point of communication between the great saphenous vein and the intersaphenous vein was located 21.50 ± 9.64 cm proximal to the medial malleolus and between the small saphenous vein and the intersaphenous vein, 18.45 ± 6.05 cm proximal to the lateral malleolus. Multiple heatmaps were created for an easier comprehension of the topic.

Conclusion

This research provides a detailed anatomy of intersaphenous veins of the leg. Yet variable in their arrangement, intersaphenous veins were found in the majority of investigated limbs. Thanks to their favorable anatomy, intersaphenous veins offer new alternatives to the traditional venous grafts from the saphenous veins, not only for heart bypasses.

Keywords

great saphenous vein - intersaphenous veins - leg - small saphenous vein - superficial veins - venous graft

Data Availability Statement

The data underlying this article will be shared on reasonable request to the corresponding author.

Ethical Approval

The work has been conducted in accordance with The Code of Ethics of the World Medical Association (Declaration of Helsinki). The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Motol Hospital and Second Faculty of Medicine, number of consent EK 1067/23.

Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 10. April 2025

Angenommen: 03. November 2025

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
19. November 2025

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