The Substitute Valve Operation on the Popliteal Vein in the Treatment of Deep Venous Incompetence of the Lower Extremity

Abstract

Sixty patients (62 limbs) with chronic incompetence of the deep veins of the lower extremity underwent the "substitute value" operation on the popliteal vein. The results after this operation were assessed clinically, phlebographically, and objectively, by venous pressure measurements, before, and three weeks and one and two years after, operation. The two-year follow-up of the 60 operated patients demonstrated clinical improvement associated with significant reduc tion in the ambulatory venous pressure (AVP) and prolongation of the refilling time (RT). The patients selected for this operation had had either a primary incompetence or a postthrombotic valve incompetence with completely recana lized deep veins. On the basis of their experience and the excellent results, the authors consider this operation the method of choice for eliminating deep ve nous insufficiency.