The popliteal vein is a vein of the lower limb. It is formed from the anterior tibial vein and the posterior tibial vein. It travels medial to the popliteal artery, and becomes the femoral vein. It drains blood from the leg. It can be assessed using medical ultrasound. It can be affected by popliteal vein entrapment.
Structure
The popliteal vein is formed by the junction of the
venae comitantes of the anterior tibial vein and the posterior tibial vein at the lower border of the
popliteus muscle. It travels on the medial side of the
popliteal artery.
It is superficial to the popliteal artery.
As it ascends through the fossa, it crosses behind the popliteal artery so that it comes to lie on its lateral side. It passes through the
adductor hiatus (the opening in the adductor magnus muscle) to become the
femoral vein.
[Moore K.L. and Dalley A.F. (2006), Clinically Oriented Anatomy, 5th Edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Toronto, page 636]
Tributaries
The tributaries of the popliteal vein include:
-
Veins that correspond to branches given off by the popliteal artery (see popliteal artery).
-
the small saphenous vein, which perforates the deep fascia and passes between the two heads of the gastrocnemius muscle to end in the popliteal vein.
-
the fibular veins.
Variation
The popliteal vein may be doubled in up to 35% of people.
Function
The popliteal vein drains blood from the
leg.
Clinical significance
The popliteal vein is readily palpated in the
popliteal fossa adjacent to the adductor magnus muscle.
The popliteal vein can be visualised using medical ultrasound, including Doppler ultrasonography.
Popliteal vein entrapment
The popliteal vein may become trapped.
This reduces the flow of blood out of the leg, causing
Edema,
pain, and
Venous ulcer.
Entrapment is usually caused by gastrocnemius muscle.
(using an x-ray) or magnetic resonance imaging can investigate it.
Surgery can be used to remove tissue creating pressure.
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