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Article: Varicose veins.(CLINICAL FEATURE)
- Article from:
- Journal of Perioperative Practice
- Article date:
- August 1, 2008
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2008 Association for Perioperative Practice. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Introduction
Varicose veins are dilated, tortuous and prominent veins. They affect about 30% of the adult population and involve the legs in particular. They are commoner in women and usually do not cause any serious problems. A small proportion of people with varicose veins go on to develop symptoms and complications.
Venous anatomy of the lower limb
Arteries carry blood from the heart to the legs. Blood returns to the heart via the veins of the lower limb. This includes the superficial and deep veins. The deep veins lie beneath the deep fascia and carry the bulk of the blood back to the heart. The superficial veins include the long and short ...