Proposal for Classification of the Great Saphenous Vein Aplasia by the B-mode Ultrasound.

Background The lack of the great saphenous vein (GSV) in its compartment is rarely mentioned in literature, although it happens in individuals with or without insufficiency of it. With the help of the B-mode ultrasound examination this vein can be easily identified. The aim of this study was to propose a classification for the findings. Methods Prospective study carried out for a period of 6 months in a sample of 2,665 lower limbs with ages ranging from 17 to 85, being that 1,286 patients are female. These patients underwent B-mode ultrasound examination as recommended by the literature. This evaluation determined whether there was a GSV aplasia by the analysis of its location in the saphenous compartment. Results After images were taken they were classified as: type I–aplasia only along the thigh, type II–aplasia only along the calf, type III–aplasia in the distal section of the thigh and proximal calf, type IV–vein in the saphenous compartment in the thigh and aplasia in the whole calf, type V–vein in the saphenous compartment only in a short segment in the proximal thigh, and type VI–vein with short segment in the saphenous compartment in the distal calf. From the total of 2,665 limbs, aplasia was found in 442 (16.6%). Conclusions These anatomic findings attain an important role in daily practice, influencing the surgical decision, particularly with the arrival of endovascular procedures, such as the use of laser and thermoablation.