Perforating veins

Perforating veins connect the superficial and the deep veins in the leg at various sites

Also called perforators. The veins in the leg are divided into superficial and deep veins. The two systems are linked at various sites by connecting veins known as perforating veins. Perforating veins have valves and are responsible for venous blood flowing from the superficial into the deep veins.

Perforating veins can also become varicose veins. Non-functioning valves allow the reverse flow of blood from the deep veins through the perforating veins, leading to stasis (pooling of blood) in the superficial veins.