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Iliac Vein Stenting

After many years of success and improvements in angioplasty and stenting to treat the arteries that supply the heart, legs, and kidneys with blood, it is becoming more common to use these procedures to treat other conditions, such as DVT and pelvic congestion.

What is the purpose of an Iliac Vein Stent?

The two main mechanisms for venous diseases are reflux and obstruction, with some patients having a combination. A potential cause of venous insufficiency is obstruction and/or compression of large veins in the pelvis. Guided by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), this condition can now be treated successfully with stent insertion. IVUS is thus the new gold standard in detecting iliac and caval venous obstructive lesions.

In the past, treatment for deep venous disease involved open surgery for venous bypass. With the development of endovascular techniques, venous angioplasty and stenting are now better treatment options for patients suffering from obstructive venous disease. At Heart and Vascular Center, our vein specialists are renowned for providing exceptional vein care in a warm, comforting environment.

Benefits of Iliac Vein Stenting

For patients with symptomatic iliac vein lesions caused by compression from the overlying artery or other anatomical structures, stenting provides an effective treatment to re-establish proper drainage and relieve symptoms. Some of the key benefits include:

 

  • Symptom relief: Stenting can help alleviate painful symptoms caused by iliac vein compression, such as swelling, heaviness, achiness, discoloration, and restless legs.
  • Improved blood flow: Stenting restores normal blood drainage from the legs and pelvic area by opening up the compressed or blocked iliac veins.
  • Prevention of blood clots: Poor iliac vein drainage increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Stenting reduces stasis and clot formation.
  • Non-surgical treatment: Iliac vein stenting is a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure compared to open surgical vein repair or bypass.
  • Quick recovery: Most patients can promptly return to normal activities within a few days after an iliac vein stenting procedure.

What to Expect With Iliac Vein Stenting

Before The Procedure

You should report to your doctor all medications you are taking, including herbal supplements, and if you have any allergies, especially to local anesthetic medications, general anesthesia, or contrast materials, sometimes called dye. Your physician may advise you to stop taking aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or blood thinners for a specified period of time before your procedure. Also, inform your doctor about recent illnesses or other medical conditions.

 

During The Procedure

IVUS uses sound waves to produce an image of the diseased vein and to see its condition. The sound waves travel through a tube called a catheter. A catheter with a small ultrasound device mounted on it is inserted into the iliac vein or artery through a tiny incision. Then, this ultrasound device uses sound waves to map the inside of the veins and arteries, allowing our vascular surgeons to identify any vein compression.

For stent placement, the tip of a catheter is inserted through the skin into a vein and advanced across the site of a suspected venous blockage. A stent may then be placed at the treatment site to hold the vein open.

 

After The Procedure

The side effects of stent placement are few and usually minor. They can include bruising at the point where the catheter enters the vein. This bruising is usually harmless and should spontaneously heal. If the bruising is extensive, cold or warm packs may be applied to the area.

Am I a Candidate for Iliac Vein Stenting?

If conservative treatments have failed and you have a confirmed iliac vein obstruction causing significant symptoms, then iliac vein stenting can potentially provide symptom relief. To determine if you may be a candidate for iliac vein stenting, your doctor will likely evaluate several factors:

  • Symptoms: Common symptoms that may warrant consideration of iliac vein stenting include leg swelling/edema, leg heaviness or fatigue, leg pain or achiness, restless legs, and varicose veins.
  • Imaging findings: You'll need imaging tests to look for evidence of iliac vein compression or obstruction. Specific findings that may make you a candidate include narrowing (stenosis) of the iliac veins, complete blockage of iliac veins, dilated veins below the narrowed area, and flow disturbances on ultrasound.
  • Underlying causes: Iliac vein stenting may be recommended if your vein compression is caused by May-Thurner syndrome (compression by right iliac artery), a pelvic mass or tumor, enlarged lymph nodes, or scarring/webbing after deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Discover Relief With Iliac Vein Stenting

Heart and Vascular Care has been recognized by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) for offering high-quality outpatient vein treatment. Reach out to learn if iliac vein stenting can alleviate your symptoms.

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