In vitro construction of totally autogenous venous valve: Early experience

Objective: To construct in vitro and test a venous valve from bovine external jugular vein. Materials and methods: Sections of bovine jugular vein were trimmed and venous valves fashioned using the author's design. Outcome measures: The competence of the valves was tested by inflating them using saline on a test rig whilst assessing their competence using duplex ultrasonography. Results: Ten valves were constructed and all were patent; eight were completely competent at pressures up to 260 mmHg. Two valves required additional external sutures to be placed in order to achieve complete competence. Conclusions: The author's design allows construction of a venous valve in any straight segment of vein. In vivo studies will be required to assess the durability of this design.