Aim of study:The aim of this study was to evaluate the competence of venous valves preserved with denaturation in cold ischaemia. Material and method: Eight segments of saphenous veins with 20 competent valves were analysed in the study. The material was collected during multiorgan retrievals. After harvesting, IScm long venous fragments were assessed with respect to valve presence. A 4-cm fragment with a valve was used for the analysis. Valve competence was assessed twice: after sampling and after 21 days of preservation. The valves were subjected to 136 cm water column pressure test. Denaturation in cold ischaemia consists of preservation of vessels at 4_C in a preservation medium containing antibiotics. Bacteriological and morphological examinations by light microscopy were performed. Results: After the preservation period, all the valves retained their mechanical properties. Well-preserved elastic elements of vascular wall were maintained in all vessels. Minor fragmentation of elastic fibres was observed and the structure of vascular wall was usually regular. Conclusions: Our study indicates that denaturation in cold ischaemia allows for the maintenance of the properties and physiological functions of the valves after preservation. This effect is related to the good condition of elastic fibres, venous wall structure and the valve itself.

Keywords: denaturated venous homograft, valvesof deep veins, Surgery, venous homografts