How To Treat Venous Insufficiency

Vein Bypass

A vein bypass is a treatment option available for deep leg veins affected by venous insufficiency when a valve repair is not feasible. During a vein bypass, a healthy vein has to be identified in close proximity to the incompetent vein. Once a healthy vein has been identified, the incompetent vein is cut and rerouted to the identified healthy vein. An incision is made in the healthy vein below the location of its valve, and the rerouted vein is sutured to that opening. In some cases, the rerouted vein may need to be lengthened or modified in another way before it can be successfully sutured into the healthy vein. This rerouting allows for the blood to bypass the part of the incompetent vein where the non-functional valve is located and go directly into another vein with a working valve. While this procedure has shown to be helpful for many individuals with venous insufficiency, it is not always a permanent solution. The healthy valve has to be able to support the extra workload of the rerouted blood. In some cases, the healthy valve becomes damaged or worn out, and further intervention is needed at a later time.