Duplication of great saphenous vein- anatomical description and its clinical implications

Lower limb veins are most prone for venous disorders. Complete knowledge of the variations of great saphenous vein is of immense importance in assessment of clinical conditions like varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis and venous ulcer. Duplication of long saphenous vein is one of the potential reasons behind recurrence of varicosity after successful surgery. The present study was undertaken to identify the incidence and pattern of duplication of long saphenous vein in South-Asian population. The present study was conducted on 56 lower limbs; the dissection was done as per Cunningham's manual of practical anatomy and the incidence of duplication of great saphenous vein was noted. Duplication of great saphenous vein was seen in 8.9% of the cases. Duplication of veins not only is a reason behind recurrenceof varicose veins but also it makes the extraction easier for procedures like coronary artery bypass graft.