Experimental prosthetic vein valve.

Medical and surgical management of venous insufficiency syndrome (VIS) has produced disappointing results despite the recent introduction of new surgical techniques. This has prompted the investigation of a sutureless prosthetic vein valve. Ten prosthetic sutureless vein valves have been tested to date. The valves are of two types, one constructed of platinum, the other of titanium. Fourteen to eighteen months post-insertion into the femoral vein or vena cava of mongrel dogs, five valves remain patent as shown be venography. The sutureless prosthetic vein valve is a promising development in the treatment of venous insufficiency.