Venoplasty

Venoplasty

Wenoplastyka żylna w Klinice Flebologii.

Introduction

Venoplastyalso known as balloon angioplasty, is a minimally invasive endovascular procedure aimed at widening a narrowed or excessively narrow vein (e.g., hypoplastic vein) and restoring normal blood flow within it. During this procedure, a catheter with a balloon at the end is inserted into the narrowed section of the vein. The balloon is then inflated under high pressure, causing the vessel to widen. In some cases, when dilation alone is insufficient, it may be necessary to insert a stent, which is a small mesh tube that supports the vein and maintains its patency.

Venous compression syndromes. in the venous system are a fairly common yet significantly underdiagnosed problem. They involve the narrowing or compression of a major vein by surrounding anatomical structures, leading to impaired blood flow and unpleasant symptoms. A clinical example is nutcracker syndrome where the left renal vein is compressed in the vascular angle between the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. This compression leads to an increase in venous pressure in the left renal vein on the left side of the body, the formation of collateral circulation, and often secondary insufficiency of the left gonadal vein (ovarian vein in women, testicular vein in men). Another example of a venous compression syndrome is May-Thurner syndromeassociated with the compression of the left common iliac vein by the right common iliac artery as it presses it against the spine at their anatomical crossing point. In addition to extrinsic compressions, developmental anomalies of the venous system and intravascular findings (venous spurs or septa) can also be a common problem, causing similar symptoms resulting from the limited ability of venous blood to drain through such a vascular segment.

Embolizacja żylna w Klinice Flebologii. Embolizacja żylna w Klinice Flebologii.

Venous Angioplasty as a Component of Causal Treatment for Venous Disease at the Phlebology Clinic:

At the Phlebology Clinic, venous angioplasty is a significant element of the comprehensive and causal treatment of pelvic venous insufficiency. This procedure is performed as part of a hybrid strategy – simultaneously with venous embolization in the course of obstructive pelvic venous insufficiency. This combination allows for the effective treatment of both the narrowing of the vessel and the coexisting venous reflux. The main goal of venous angioplasty is the mechanical widening of a narrowed venous segment or the breaking down of intravascular septa that have formed, for example, as a result of chronic compression or are congenital in nature.

The procedure is performed using specialized balloon catheters that are introduced into the venous system under radiological guidance. Gradual inflation of the balloon at the site of the narrowing allows for the restoration of the vessel's original diameter and the improvement of venous blood flow.

The effectiveness of the procedure is continuously monitored by performing intraoperative phlebography, which allows for the assessment of the vessel dilation effect and blood flow. In some cases, when balloon dilation alone does not yield satisfactory results, there may be a need to implant a venous stent to ensure long-term vessel patency.

What can be treated using venous angioplasty?

The indications for performing a venous angioplasty procedure are quite broad. The most common of these include:

  • venous hypoplasia (the most common form is hypoplasia of the left renal vein);
  • nutcracker syndrome, May-Thurner syndrome
  • zwężenie żyły szyjnej;
  • narrowing of central veins (e.g., the inferior vena cava);
  • narrowing of the pulmonary veins;
  • post-thrombotic changes narrowing the lumen of the venous vessel;
  • as part of the treatment for the obstructive form of pelvic venous insufficiency;
  • other venous compression syndromes.

Compression of the left renal vein

Narrow outflow of the left renal vein (Ultrasound)

Post-thrombotic stenosis of the external iliac vein (Ultrasound)

Advantages of Venous Angioplasty Procedures Performed at the Phlebology Clinic:

  • minimal invasiveness and safety of the entire procedure; venous angioplasties are usually performed with access from the limbs under local anesthesia, guided by ultrasound and low-dose X-ray equipment;
  • we use local anesthesia and light sedation instead of general anesthesia (the entire procedure is monitored by an anesthesiology team);
  • comfort during the procedure – lying on the back;
  • short stay (from 3 to 6 hours) in the day hospital ward with medical and nursing care;
  • quick return to daily activities after the procedure;
  • cosmetic benefits (no scars, which occur after surgical treatment);
  • negligible risk of complications due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, precision of execution, and extensive experience of the diagnostic and interventional team;
  • high long-term effectiveness in patients treated causally.

Key Information Regarding the Venous Angioplasty Procedure:

  • TYPE OF TREATMENT

    using: ultrasound, X-ray

  • INVASIVENESS

    minimum (2/5)

  • TREATMENT AREA

    abdominal cavity, pelvis

  • PERFORMING ENSEMBLE

    interventional radiologist, phlebologist, anesthesiology team, hemodynamic nurse

  • DURATION

    40-120 minutes

  • TYPE OF ANAESTHESIA

    local, light sedation

  • BOLDNESS

    minimum (2/5)

  • RISK OF COMPLICATIONS

    minimal to low (1-2/5)

  • CONVALESCENCE

    5-14 days

Price range

Phlebology

Price list for venous procedures performed in the vascular laboratory

Preparing the Patient for Venous Angioplasty:

Before undergoing venous angioplasty, the patient undergoes a detailed phlebological consultation and imaging diagnostics. The anatomy of the venous system, any developmental variations, intraluminal changes, and blood flow within the veins are always assessed using Doppler ultrasound. In magnetic resonance venography or computed tomography with contrast, the entire anatomy and the influence of the venous system on nearby organs are evaluated. It is always important to rule out cancer, aneurysms, endometriosis, and bone changes significant for venous compression.

7-10 days before the procedure, fasting blood tests are ordered, which are necessary to perform before the planned venous angioplasty. Patients taking anticoagulant medications should consult their treating physician to adjust the dosage or temporarily discontinue the medication. Before the procedure, it is necessary to be well-hydrated and fasting (approximately 6 hours without food).

Venous Angioplasty of the Renal Vein with Venous Embolization – How Does the Procedure Proceed?

Venous angioplasty of the renal vein with venous embolization – a precise procedure performed through a skin puncture, requiring experience. ✨ See how we conduct this procedure, meet our team, and discover why it's worth trusting us. Your health is in the best hands! ?

The venous angioplasty procedure is performed in the Vascular Laboratory of the Phlebology Clinic. The patient lies on their back on the procedure table, and the operating physician, under ultrasound imaging guidance, establishes percutaneous vascular access to a vein. Subsequently, under the guidance of a C-arm (X-ray equipment), a thin vascular catheter is introduced over a guidewire into the vein. The catheter is then navigated to the narrowed section of the vein. At the end of the catheter, there is a high-pressure balloon, which is inflated under high pressure to widen the vein or eliminate vascular septa. Sometimes, to maintain the effect, a stent is introduced into the vein. The procedure is minimally invasive and performed under local anesthesia with light sedation of the patient. Finally, a control phlebography is performed, confirming the widening effect. Then, all catheters are removed, and the puncture site is secured with a pressure dressing. The entire procedure usually lasts from 40 to 90 minutes and requires a subsequent 2-3 hour observation of the patient in a hospital ward setting.

Post-Procedure Management After Venous Angioplasty:

Given that venous angioplasty is a typical endovascular procedure, the post-operative management focuses on several key aspects:

In the first 24 hours after the procedure:

  • rest and limiting intense physical activity (especially strength training) are recommended;
  • the patient can eat and drink normally;
  • gentle movement is allowed, avoiding sudden motions;
  • the puncture site should be observed for bleeding or bruising;
Return to sports activities after venous angioplasty and embolization procedures usually occurs after 10-14 days. During this period, strength exercises, which can contribute to pelvic venous insufficiency, should be avoided.

In the following days after the procedure:

  • the patient receives individual recommendations regarding medications, including anticoagulant therapy (if necessary);
  • patients with venous insufficiency of the limbs are recommended to wear compression garments (stockings or tights) for the period indicated by the doctor;
  • heavy lifting (over 5-7 kg) and strenuous physical exercise should be avoided for approximately 7-14 days after the procedure;

Contraindications for Venous Angioplasty:

The most common contraindications for venous angioplasty include:

  • active infection at the planned surgical access site;
  • severe renal insufficiency or other serious systemic diseases;
  • hemorrhagic diathesis or other significant blood coagulation disorders;
  • confirmed allergy to the contrast medium used during the procedure;
  • advanced renal failure;
  • pregnancy.

Possible Complications After Venous Angioplasty:

Complications after venous angioplasty are rare but can occur like after any interventional procedure. The most common of these include:

  • hematoma, bleeding, or infection at the puncture site;
  • damage to the vein during the procedure;
  • venous thrombosis;
  • pulmonary embolism;
  • stent migration (if a stent was inserted);
  • allergic reaction to the contrast medium.
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Dr Venus: virtual patient counsellor

Looking for an answer to your vein question? Ask our Dr. Venus!

  • How do doctors access the left renal vein during venoplasty?
  • During the left renal vein venoplasty procedure, doctors access the renal vein percutaneously, most often using the common femoral vein.

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Aleksandra - koordynatorka Pacjenta Kliniki Flebologii. @Aleksandra_flebologia

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