Venular valves and retrograde perfusion

Forced retrograde perfusion through the venous system with arterial blood can provide adequate oxygen to peripheral tissues at rest through veno-capillary networks which is the basis for surgical restoration of blood flow by distal vein arterialization (DVA). To be successful such surgery requires disruption of valve leaflets in the veins, which can be accomplished easily in the larger vessels. However, the smallest veins (venules) of less than 100 μm in diameter, also possess valves, are distributed widely throughout all tissues and are too fine for any effective surgical interference. Thus venular valves cannot be disrupted or dissected with presently available technology. Nevertheless, clinical observations suggest that retrograde peripheral blood flow is rapidly established after DVA surgery. There is as yet no rational explanation for this phenomenon. In the present study, using Laplace's law, we attempt to elucidate the mechanical properties of venules and their valves. We speculate that the remarkably thin venular walls (and especially those of the smaller vessels which have the thinnest walls), are capable of considerable, rapid distension when subjected to increased hemostatic pressure. The increase in diameter of venules in response to the increased blood pressure renders their valve leaflets incompetent, so that the valves themselves cannot close the vessel lumen. In addition, the thin bicuspid leaflets may also be forced open retrogradely by the increased blood pressure.