Intermediate to long-term results of repairing incompetent multiple deep venous valves using external valvular stenting.

Introduction: Chronic venous insufficiency is a major cause of morbidity in the community. The purpose of the present study was to assess the efficacy and safety of repairing multiple deep venous valves with an External Valvular Stent.

Methods: Forty-two limbs with chronic venous disease were operated on between 1987 and 1991. The patients included in the present series have now had more than 5 years of follow up (mean: 7.9 years; range: 5.4-11.9 years). Most patients had primary deep venous incompetence. There were 125 valve repairs out of 146 venographically suitable valves primarily in the superficial femoral and popliteal veins (2.98 per limb). Follow up was incomplete because of the duration of the trial.

Results: Following surgery ulcer areas decreased from a mean preoperative value of 12.9 cm2 to 1.2 cm2 at 86 months with almost 80% of the ulcers healed. All symptoms, pain, swelling, cramps and pigmentation were improved at a statistically significant level. The 90% infrared photoplethysmography recovery time almost doubled from 6.7 s preoperatively to 12.4 s at 36 months and were unchanged in the long term. Venous pressures were only significant at 12 months post implantation. Using multivariant analysis, the number of stents implanted was statistically associated with an increased number of ulcers healing. The site of venous valve repairs seems to be irrelevant to all of the variables.

Conclusion: Multiple deep venous valve repairs are appropriate and the best form of treatment for specifically selected individuals with primary deep venous incompetence.