It travels medial to the popliteal artery, and becomes the femoral vein.

[2] As it ascends through the fossa, it crosses behind the popliteal artery so that it comes to lie on its lateral side.

[4] The popliteal vein can be visualised using medical ultrasound, including Doppler ultrasonography.

[5] This reduces the flow of blood out of the leg, causing oedema, pain, and venous ulcers.

[5] Venography (using an x-ray) or magnetic resonance imaging can investigate it.