ABSTRACT
The venous and lymphatic systems are very important in the maintenance of the health of
all tissues. In the lower limbs these systems are particularly adapted to man’s erect posture
with modifications for the high venous pressures to which the lower limb tissues would
normally be exposed. The Edinburgh Vein Study found that 32% of women and 40% of
men had clinical evidence of venous disease in the lower limb (1), making this group
of diseases some of the most common vascular disorders.
