Influence of the profunda femoris vein on venous hemodynamics of the limb. Experience from thirty-one deep vein valve reconstructions.

Venous valve reconstruction in 31 limbs (28 patients) with chronic deep venous insufficiency is analyzed. The indications for operation were primary or secondary deep valvular incompetence with severe reflux and venous hypertension. Valvuloplasty was performed on a proximal valve of the superficial femoral vein (SFV) in 17 limbs and on a common femoral vein valve in two limbs; transplantation of a valve-bearing segment of the axillary vein was made to the common femoral vein in two limbs, to the SFV in seven limbs, and to the popliteal vein in three limbs. The results of valvuloplasty were satisfactory, with six failures observed during a follow-up period extending to 84 months (mean, 44 months). Eight of 12 valve transplant reconstructions failed within 2 years. Patency and competence of the reconstruction were obtained in 27 limbs at the 6-month postoperative control period. The effects on venous pressure were analyzed regarding the presence or absence of reflux into the profunda femoral vein (PFV) with preoperative retrograde phlebography. The results showed significant reduction of the ambulatory venous pressure (p less than 0.05) and increase in venous recovery time (p less than 0.01) in limbs with PFV competence. In limbs in which the PFV was incompetent the pressure values remained unchanged. These findings suggest that the functional state of the PFV is of great importance to the venous hemodynamics of the limb. This study also indicates that the principle of one-level repair in the SFV seems appropriate in limbs with a competent PFV.