FULL VALVE ANNULOPLASTY IN TREATMENT OF PRIMARY DEEP VENOUS VALVULAR INCOMPETENCE OF THE LOWER-EXTREMITIES

Full-valve annuloplasty of superficial femoral venous valves was performed successfully in 139 extremites affected with primary deep venous incompetence of the lower limb. Chronic ulcerations in 43 affected extremities healed after operation. Postoperative venography showed that the recovery rate of valvular function was 97%, and no serious complication was noted. Follow-up for a mean of 3.5 years showed no varicosed vein and no recurrence of ulceration. The principles of operation, the optimum site, number and degree of annuloplasty, indications and results of the operation were discussed.