Anatomy of the veins of the dorsum pedis with regard to their suitability as vascular grafts in reconstructive microsurgery.

Attempts to locate veins suitable as micro-surgical vascular grafts were carried out in 16 preparations of the subcutaneous venous network of the dorsum pedis. For this reason the length, diameter, valve distances and frequency of longitudinal veins were especially examined. Four types of veins were defined as being suitable for transplantation and it was established that they are situated in the medial half of the dorsum pedis in the so-called microsurgical area in all cases. Collecting and conducting veins can be distinguished by means of the location of the valves, which are generally bicuspidal. In most cases, the level of the opening spaces of both the segment and the opening valves lies parallel to the surface of the skin.