Deep leg veins return blood directly to the heart and are in the center of the leg, within the muscles, near the bones. Superficial leg veins are just beneath the skin, above the muscles. They have less support from surrounding muscles and bones than the deep veins and may thus develop an area of weakness in the wall. When ballooning of the vein occurs, the vein becomes varicose. Perforator, or communicating, veins serve as connections between the superficial system and the deep system of leg veins.
About the Author: Dr. Daniel Monahan
Daniel L. Monahan, M.D. opened Vein Surgery and Treatment Center of Northern California in 2001. The name changed to Monahan Vein Clinic in 2011. He is board-certified in surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Treating vein disease is not something to learn in a weekend course. Dr. Monahan’s formal training included more experience in vein treatment than typical surgical training, and he carried this expertise into his practice.