In 2001 doctors in Ohio performed an unusual surgery to treat a man’s severe varicose veins. The man suffered from a very painful and debilitating varicose vein in his right leg. Doctor’s performed a transplant surgery in which a cow’s jugular vein was used to replace the section of varicose leg vein.

The varicose vein surgery was done at Toledo Hospital’s Jobst Vascular Center in Toledo, Ohio. Dr. Hugh Beebe, the center’s director said, “The neck vein of cows is very similar to the femoral vein of man. The bovine valve becomes a better fit when compared to the weakened valves of man and to prevent rejection of bovine tissue, the cows valve is pre treated with drugs.”

To read more about this unique solution to the common problem of varicose veins, click here.

Ten years later, it seems that this technique never really took off. Bovine transplant is not a common treatment for varicose vein problems today.

Tags: Uncategorized // Add Comment »