Role of vessel-to-prosthesis size mismatch in venous valve performance

The effect of size mismatching on venous valve function and mismatch limit that affects valve hemodynamic performance and venous wall stress is investigated. Valve regurgitate volume, closing time, and pressure difference across the valve are significantly elevated at mismatch ratios >15%. The wall stress is increased by a factor of two to three times larger than that induced by physiologic pressures. To improve future valve implants for treatment of chronic venous insufficiency, vessel wall stress should be considered. A size mismatch <15% is needed to optimize venous valve hemodynamic performance and to minimize the hoop wall stress.