How To Treat Venous Insufficiency

Vein Repair

Some individuals who have venous insufficiency need to undergo a surgical vein repair to treat the poorly functioning vein. Usually, other non-surgical and less intrusive treatment methods are attempted before resorting to surgical vein repair. While other less invasive techniques can be utilized to seal off or divert superficial veins, deep larger veins affected by venous insufficiency can pose more of a challenge. Because the deep veins in the leg are too critical to be removed or sealed off, they have to be repaired if possible or completely replaced. During the procedure to repair a deep leg vein valve, a surgeon makes a traditional incision to access the affected vein. A mechanism can be used on the outside of the vein to narrow it so the valve can work better, or the valve may need a repair on the interior of the vein. In order to repair the valve on the interior of the vein, the surgeon has to open up the vein so they can see the valve. Sutures are then used to tighten up the valve leaflets to the point where they are able to close correctly. The valve is tested for competency using the strip test before the vein is sutured up.

Vein Transplant

In cases of venous insufficiency where the affected vein has a valve damaged beyond the point of repair, and the vein is significant enough that it cannot be fully removed or sealed off, a vein transplant procedure may be necessary. This type of surgical procedure involves the removal of the non-functioning valve by cutting both ends of the affected vein above and below the valve. This section of the vein is removed so it can be replaced with another vein similar in size that is typically removed from the individual's arm. The arm vein is transferred to where the non-functional valve was removed. Both ends of the cut leg vein are sutured to both ends of the arm vein containing the functioning valve. A cover is typically placed around the site of the valve transfer to prevent any form of late vein dilation. It is practical for a vein to be taken from the arm to be used for the transplant because the arm has numerous smaller veins that are sufficient enough to move blood back to the heart in the absence of the axillary vein.