Subsartorial Vessels as Replacement Names for Superficial Femoral Vessels

Abstract

The term “superficial femoral vein” has appeared for the segment of the femoral vein distally to the branching point of the deep femoral vein. This term is discouraged because thrombus formation in this vein is actually a deep vein thrombosis and therefore referring to it as “superficial” causes many cases of untreated deep vein thrombosis. Despite discouragement, the term continues to be used. It is hereby suggested that this segment of the femoral vein be termed the “subsartorial vein” and likewise for the artery that runs parallel to it. This approach avoids the false impression of it being a superficial vein, while at the same time being more specific than simply referring to it as the femoral vein.

Keywords

• deep femoral artery
• deep femoral vein
• deep vein thrombosis
• femoral artery
• femoral vein
• ultrasonography