In vitro evaluation of a new autologous valve-stent for deep venous incompetence.

Purpose: To report the results of in vitro hydrostatic bench testing of a new vein-stent combination to correct deep venous incompetence.

Methods: Twelve valves were constructed from a modified Palmaz stent encased in a segment of great saphenous vein harvested from patients during routine varicose vein surgery. An in vitro flow circuit was set up to evaluate opening and closing pressures (in cm H(2)O), and the valve was subsequently subjected to repetitive cycles of increasing prograde flow and reflux pressures.