Is the Problem of the Postthrombotic Syndrome Reality or Myth?

The substitute "valve" operation by Technique II designed to overcome re flux in the popliteal vein was performed on 145 patients (162 limbs) with deep venous incompetence of the lower limbs, primary or postthrombotic. Results were assessed clinically, by Doppler ultrasound, by venous pressure measure ments, and partially by phlebography. Clinical improvement in 154 of 162 limbs was associated with a reduction of ambulatory venous pressure and prolonga tion of refilling time with interruption of the popliteal reflux by Doppler (134 limbs) and with phlebographic evidence of a valve-like effect of the silastic ten don.