Venous Disease
IVC (inferior vena cava) web and venous stenosis are conditions that can cause narrowing of the vein that carries blood from the lower body to the heart. This can lead to symptoms such as leg swelling, pain, and discomfort. Angioplasty and stenting are two procedures that may be used to treat IVC web and venous stenosis.
Angioplasty:
- During angioplasty, a small catheter is inserted through a blood vessel in the groyne and guided to the site of the blockage.
- A small balloon on the end of the catheter is inflated to widen the narrowed area and improve blood flow.
- Once the blockage is widened, the balloon is deflated and removed.
- Angioplasty is often used as a first-line treatment for venous stenosis.
Stenting:
- Stenting is a similar procedure to angioplasty, but it involves the placement of a small metal mesh tube called a stent.
- The stent is inserted over a balloon or can be self expandable and be inserted directly and guided to the site of the blockage.
- The stent expands and pushes against the walls of the vein to keep it open.
- Stenting is often used when angioplasty alone is not enough to keep the vein open.
Benefits of angioplasty and stenting:
- Both procedures are minimally invasive and typically do not require general anaesthesia.
- They can be performed on an outpatient basis, which means patients can go home the same day.
- They are often effective in improving blood flow and reducing symptoms such as leg swelling and pain.
Potential risks of angioplasty and stenting:
- As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with angioplasty and stenting.
- These may include bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding tissue or organs.
- There is also a risk of the stent becoming blocked or dislodged over time.
- If you are considering angioplasty or stenting to treat IVC web or venous stenosis, it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor to determine if the procedure is right for you.