Where it is
Superficial vein starting in front of the medial ankle and running up the inner leg and thigh to join the femoral vein in the groin.
What it does
Drains blood from the superficial tissues of the leg. Its valves prevent backflow.
Clinical relevance
- Commonly harvested as a graft for coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).
- Valve failure causes varicose veins.
Nursing focus
- After CABG with leg harvest, assess the incision, elevate the leg and watch for edema and infection.