Popliteal Valvular Construction Using a Silastic Sling (Technique II) for Deep Venous Insufficiency of the Lower Limb

Abstract

Objective: To establish the safety and efficacy of a silastic sling procedure for reconstructing popliteal vein. Design: Prospective survey of patients undergoing surgical treatment for popliteal vein reflux. Setting: Department of Surgery, County Hospital, Bad Karlshafen, Germany. Patients: 209 patients undergoing surgery for popliteal vein incompetence. Interventions: Silastic sling procedure (Technique II) for correction of popliteal vein incompetence. Main outcome measures: Continuous wave Doppler ultrasound examination of popliteal vein, ambulatory foot vein pressure measurements, lower limb venography. Results: One week following surgery 202 patients (of 209) reported relief of pain and reduction of limb oedema. 77 patients with ulcers (of 85) healed following the surgical procedure. Ambulatory venous pressure improved from 71 SD 11 mmHg to 36 SD 17 mmHg. There was prolongation of the venous refilling time from 9 SD 5 seconds to 27 SD 17 seconds. Postoperative phlebography in 92 patients was performed on the tenth post-operative day and in no patient was deep vein thrombosis observed. In 82 of these patients phlebography demonstrated that the constructed popliteal valve was patent. Conclusions: Construction of a popliteal valve using the author's silastic sling technique is a satisfactory method for managing patients with otherwise uncontrolled popliteal vein reflux due to either primary valvular failure or previous deep vein thrombosis.