Side branch varicose veins

Side branch varicose veins

Side branch or tributary varicose veins develop when the valves in the side branch veins are incompetent (leaky) and when the blood flows backwards and dilates the veins. They often occur together with or arise from trunk varicose veins, but may also develop in isolation. Side branch varicose veins tend to have a very tortuous, snake-like appearance and are often clearly visible as bulges under the skin.