The present invention is directed to a method of preventing or alleviating high venous pressure in a patient, the method comprising the steps of implanting a first biocompatible scaffold into the lumen of the vena cava inferior (VCI) of the patient, preferably at a site between the right atrium and the ostium of the hepatic veins optionally implanting a second biocompatible scaffold into the lumen of the first biocompatible scaffold and placement of a first valve into the lumen of the first or second biocompatible scaffold wherein the biocompatible scaffolds and the first valve are configured and arranged to permit blood flow towards a right atrium of the patient and to prevent blood flow in an opposite direction.
