[A study of valve dynamics using endoscopy. Does functional valve insufficiency exist?]

The authors refer to findings concerning the valve systems of deep veins and the great saphenous, obtained by application of the Echo-Color-Doppler and endoscopic method. The authors noted that healthy valve structures tended to turn downwards as the loading pressure increased, subsequently returning to a normal morphological and functional state. Slow motion study also stressed the presence of apparently active valve movements, including participation by the vein wall. The term "parieto-valvular functional unit" could be used. The authors suggest the existence of a form of transitory functional valve prolapse responsible for the origin of valve insufficiency, also functional. The healthy valve could thus cede to high pressure, also avoiding any structural damage.