The substitute "valve" operation by technique II in patients with postthrombotic syndrome.

The substitute "valve" operation with use of a silicone tendon designed to produce a valvelike mechanism in the popliteal veins of 29 patients with 31 postphlebitic limbs caused by reflux in the deep veins is described. The results have been assessed by measurements, taken during ambulation, of venous pressure before operation, 1 week after operation, and 1 year after operation and by phlebography. In 29 limbs there was clinical improvement associated with improvement in the venous pressure assessed during ambulation and phlebographic evidence of a functioning substitute valve.