Key result
Below-knee GSV contains fewer valves and greater inter-valve distance than the above-knee segment.
Why the study?
Great saphenous vein graft complications such as thrombosis and atherosclerosis are partly attributed to valve flaps disrupting laminar flow, prompting an analysis of GSV valve distribution and spacing.
Does the below-knee segment of the great saphenous vein have fewer valves and increased inter-valve distance compared to the above-knee segment?
Population
96 GSVs across 66 cadavers
Comparison
Above vs below the knee GSV segments
Design
Cadaveric anatomical study
Authors
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Valve distribution patterns in GSV may guide conduit segment choice; leaves open whether valve-aware harvest reduces clinical thrombosis or atherosclerosis.
Cross-Sectional (n=66)
No
Does the below-knee segment of the great saphenous vein have fewer valves and increased inter-valve distance compared to the above-knee segment?
Mean Difference: 1.18 (95% CI 0.75–1.6)
p-value: p=<0.001
The below-knee segment of the great saphenous vein contains fewer valves and greater inter-valve distance, suggesting it may be a more suitable conduit for surgical bypass grafting to minimize turbulent flow.
Paladichuk et al. (2025) conducted a cross-sectional in Cadaveric specimens (for surgical planning) (n=66). Above-knee GSV segment vs. Below-knee GSV segment was evaluated on Number of valves (MD 1.18, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.60, p=<0.001). The below-knee segment of the great saphenous vein contains significantly fewer valves and greater inter-valve distance compared to the above-knee segment.
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