Anterior accessory saphenous vein

The anterior accessory saphenous vein is a special anterior tributary of the great saphenous vein (GSV), draining the antero-lateral face of the thigh. However, in recent times experts have suggested dropping the term "Accessory" and simply calling this the Anterior Saphenous Vein (ASV)

This change occurred in 2024 when there was a significant announcement by a task force endorsed by the American Venous Forum, the American Vein and Lymphatic Society (AVLS) and the UIP to drop the term "accessory."

They explained in a series of publications and presentations that it became evident to many specialists caring for venous patients that there was a lack of clarity regarding the terminology of the anterior accessory saphenous vein. The term “accessory” implied that the vein was a superficial tributary. However, its anatomic features, accepted treatment approaches, and clinical outcomes after treatment supported its role as a truncal vein, similar to the great saphenous vein (GSV) and small saphenous vein (SSV).

This discordance led to confusion about the optimal treatment modalities and restrictive payer coverage inconsistencies. Therefore, there was momentum to develop a process to evaluate whether the terminology should evolve to provide more clarity on this distinction. This led to the formation of a multispecialty working group with representatives from the AVLS, AVF, and UIP. Ultimately, a consensus was made to drop the term “accessory” and simply use the term anterior saphenous vein (ASV).