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.
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