Terminal and preterminal valves of the GSV do not always exist. Using a strict definition whether a valve should be called either "terminal valve" or "preterminal valve", we will find a lot of them completely missing. This means that in a considerable number of patients reflux from the common femoral vein (CFV) to the GSV and further on into the MSTVs might occur. Several major superficial tributary veins join the GSV within the first millimeters; therefore a thorough exposition and monitoring of these vessels during diagnostic procedures are obviously crucial for a long-lasting success.
Two fascial points or regions can be described in the SSVs' course and its own saphenous fascia is demonstrated macroscopically in almost all cases. The neural topography is highly individual. The SPJ is highly individual where we found hitherto unclassified patterns in a remarkable number of veins. Venous valves are not as frequent as we supposed them to be. Furthermore, not all most proximal valves seem to be terminal valves.
Incorporating the study results on terminal and preterminal valves in the great saphenous vein, we have a well defined overview about the positions of the valves and frequencies in the coherent area of confluence of the superficial inguinal veins. More than ever, further studies, mainly about the real functions of valves, are necessary.
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