Pintalaskimo

Pintalaskimo is a Finnish medical term meaning superficial vein, referring to veins located close to the surface of the skin as part of the limb venous system. The term contrasts with syvä laskimo, the deep venous system. In Finnish clinical use, pintalaskimo describes the network of superficial veins of the limbs, including the major superficial veins in the legs such as the great and small saphenous veins, and their tributaries.

Anatomy and scope: Pintalaskimot run in the subcutaneous tissue and drain into the deeper venous system via perforator veins. They are responsible for draining most surface-level skin and subcutaneous tissues. While they can function normally, they are also the site of common venous disorders that cause visible bulging or discomfort.

Clinical relevance: Diseases of the pintalaskimo include varicose veins, superficial venous insufficiency, telangiectasias, and superficial thrombophlebitis. Because these conditions often affect only the superficial veins, they are evaluated separately from deep venous disease, though extensive disease may involve both systems.

Diagnosis: Evaluation typically includes clinical examination and duplex ultrasound to assess vein structure, reflux, and to distinguish superficial from deep venous involvement. Imaging helps guide treatment decisions.

Treatment: Management ranges from conservative measures such as compression therapy and leg elevation to interventional procedures. Sclerotherapy targets smaller superficial veins and telangiectasias; phlebectomy removes prominent varicose segments; endovenous thermal ablation or surgical stripping addresses refluxing superficial veins to alleviate symptoms and reduce progression.

See also: Deep veins, Varicose veins, Saphenous veins.