Vein Ligation and Stripping Image

To treat varicose veins in the leg, the saphenous vein may be removed by ligation and stripping (A). First an incision is made in the upper thigh, and the saphenous vein is separated from its tributaries (B). Another incision is made above the foot (C). The lower portion of the vein is cut, and a stripper is inserted into the vein (D). The stripper is pulled through the vein and out the incision in the upper thigh (E). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)