Fig. 1 Valvular insufficiency of the saphenous vein and indications for endovenous thermal ablation (ETA).

Valvular insufficiency of the saphenous vein spanning a wide area from the SFJ to below the knee (A) and pudendal vein varicosity without SFJ insufficiency and valvular insufficiency of the GSV with Dodd’s perforator vein serving as a reflux source (B) are ETA indications. However, neither localized valvular insufficiency of the GSV around the knee (C) nor partial GSV insufficiency without tributary varicose veins (D) is an indication for ETA. SFJ: sapheno-femoral junction; CFV: common femoral vein; GSV: great saphenous vein