The greater saphenous vein, also called the great saphenous vein, is the longest vein in the body, extending from the medial side of the foot up the inner leg to the groin, where it empties into the common femoral vein at the saphenofemoral junction. In venous ultrasound, the greater saphenous vein is frequently evaluated for chronic venous insufficiency, in which the vein’s valves fail and allow blood to flow backward, causing varicose veins and leg swelling. Sonographers assess the competence of the saphenofemoral junction and measure reflux duration using Doppler during Valsalva maneuver or calf compression. Reflux lasting more than 0.5 seconds is considered abnormal and may warrant treatment.
Sonography Term