Incompetent Transplanted Arm Vein Valves: Surgical Correction and Result

Abstract

Nine arm vein valve transplantations were performed when the valves of femoral or popliteal veins were damaged beyond valvuloplasty in deep-valve correction. In four of the nine arm vein valves (44%) incompetence was recognized immediately following transplantation. Valvuloplasty successfully restored valvular competence of the four transplanted arm veins. Intraoperative direct venous pressure of the dorsalis pedis in the supine position improved by 5–30 mmHg (mean 8 mmHg) in six of seven limbs following vein-valve transplantation. Competence of the arm vein valve should be tested before and after transplantation. Valvuloplasty of the incompetent transplanted valves is feasible and has produced no added susceptibility to thrombosis and recurrent incompetence.