The Varicose Saphenous Vein, Functional and Ultrastructural Studies, with Special Reference to Smooth Muscle

Specimens from the proximal and distal parts of saphenous vein of 16 patients undergoing stripping operations for varicose veins were investigated with pharmacological technique and electron microscopy. The ultrastructural investigation showed a venous wall with increased connective tissue elements such as collagen fibres. In parts endothelial damage could be observed. These changes were about equally frequent in specimens from the proximal and distal great saphenous vein. The pharmacological study showed reduced maximal contraction of varicose veins compared to controls. Moreover there was a slightly higher maximal tension (contraction per unit trans-sectional area) in specimens from the lower leg, compared to the thigh. This means that there is functional disturbance of the smooth muscle function in varicose veins, and other structural elements show significant alterations such as connective tissue and endothelial cells.