Anatomical study of distribution of valves of the cutaneous veins of adult's limbs

Since the cutaneous veins of the four limbs have been used as autogenous grafts in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, knowledge of distribution of the valves is increasingly required depending upon the use. In the gross anatomical study of distribution of valves of the trunci venae, there has been argument about locational relationships between the venous roots and the valves in the vicinity of the roots and the inter-valvular distance. However, there have been only few reports discussing detailed information about valves of the cutaneous veins of the four limbs. The authors observed patterns of distribution of the cutaneous venous valves of the four limbs of cadavers prepared for practice in anatomy. The following parts were excised from each cadaver: the cephalic, basilic, and the great saphenous veins, which originate from the acral venous network and flow into the proximal deep veins, and the venous roots communicating with these veins. An incision was made on each excised vein in the direction of the long axis under observation with a stereoscopic microscope, and the inter-valvular distance and the distance between the valve and the orifice of venous root in the vicinity of the valve were measured. The inter-valvular distance varied with type of the truncus venae, and it varied according to area even in the same truncus venae.