[Morphologic anatomy of the valves of the lower limbs]

This study reports a useful technique, in particular at the magnifications of 16, 25 and 40 fresh cadaver: the great saphenous vein contains approximately 7 to 8 valves with a variable, though small, percentage of atrophic valves; regarding deep veins, study includes that of the ostial valves of the great and small saphenous veins and of the bicuspid valves distributed in the femoro-popliteal and leg veins. Varicose veins, obtained by long stripping of the great saphenous (or, more rarely, of the small saphenous) have been used to study: the number of valves (far less in varicose vein sufferers) and the incidence of atrophic valves; possible changes in the structure of valves (or cusps); intermediate pillars between two cusps; the position of the valve in relation to varicose ectasia and to collaterals; the possibility of actual trabecular modifications in the wall (but, most often, valves are typical). The valves of collaterals are bicuspid in the lumen, but the ostial valve is usually unicuspid. Perforating veins generally have a single cusp exterior to passage through the fascia. This study enables interesting comparisons with recent endoscopic findings (and in particular work from the department of Professor Cloarec).