Venous Stenting Procedure | MedStar Health

Minimally invasive treatment to open narrow veins

Multiple venous conditions such as deep vein thrombosis and chronic venous insufficiency and May-Thurner syndrome can cause veins in the legs, chest or abdomen to narrow or become blocked. Your doctor may recommend placement of a wire mesh tube called a stent to open the vein and allow blood to flow more easily.

The doctors in our Vein Program are experts at treating venous disorders using advanced minimally invasive methods. They will work with you to develop a treatment plan for your unique condition to help relieve symptoms and minimize the risk of complications.

What to expect during venous stenting

You may be asked to not eat or drink the day of your procedure. You will have an IV inserted in your hand to provide a sedative to relax you during the stent placement. The doctor will numb the incision site with a local anesthetic and insert a thin, flexible tube called a catheter with a balloon attached to the end of it.

Using X-ray guidance, your surgeon will direct the catheter to the narrowed vein. The doctor will then inflate the balloon to press the stent into place and hold open the narrowed vein. The catheter will then be removed, and you will be taken to a recovery area. You may be monitored for several hours following the procedure but will likely be able to return home the same day.

Venous Stent Thrombectomy

What happens if a venous stent becomes blocked?

Venous stents can also become blocked when clots form inside the stent. Deep vein stent occlusion can occur in a few weeks or years after a venous stent is implanted.

Blood colts can block veins. A wire mesh tube called a stent can be implanted to open the vein and allow blood to flow more easily. Venous stents can also become blocked when clots form inside the stent. Deep vein stent occlusion can occur in a few weeks or years after a venous stent is implanted.

In March 2023, MedStar Washington Hospital Center became the first site in the world where the RevCore thrombectomy catheter was used to remove clots and debris from blocked stents. The doctor will numb the incision site with a local anesthetic and insert a thin, flexible tube called a catheter with a cutting element at the end of the catheter. Using X-ray guidance, your surgeon will direct the catheter to the blocked venous stent. The cutting element is designed to cut and remove the clots and debris within the stent. This procedure is typically completed within an hour and patients can go home the same day. Most patients return to daily activities within a few days.

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