Venoplasty Procedure: What to Expect and FAQ

What is Venoplasty Procedure?

This procedure uses a balloon to treat a narrowed area of the vein by stretching it out using air pressure.  The balloon only stays temporarily in the vein and is removed after just a few minutes. This is a minimally-invasive vascular treatment that may be used for patients who are diagnosed with deep venous disease otherwise knows iliac compression syndrome or May Thurner syndrome.

Benefits of Venoplasty Procedure

It is a minimally invasive procedure and requires no hospital stay with a short recovery period. Other benefits include:

• Small incisions
• Less pain
• Low risk of infection
• Quick recovery time
• Less scarring
• Reduced blood loss

The procedure can also be used in conjunction with a procedure called venous stenting.  

Risks of Endovascular Procedures

Catheter-Related Risks

Any procedure that involves placement of a catheter inside a blood vessel carries certain risks. These risks include damage to the blood vessel, bruising or bleeding at the puncture site, and infection. The chance of any of these events occurring is less than one percent. 

Allergy to X-ray Contrast Material

Patients may have an allergic reaction to the x-ray contrast dye used during endovascular procedures. These episodes range from mild itching to severe reactions that can affect breathing or blood pressure. Patients having procedures are carefully monitored by a physician and a nurse during the procedure. In addition, if you have a contrast allergy we will pre treat you with special medicine to ensure that you do not have an allergic reaction.

X-ray exposure 

Endovascular procedures are done under x-ray. Exposure levels are well below those where adverse effects on the patient would be a concern. 

Potential Adverse Effects on the Kidneys

Patients with a history of poor kidney functions are at higher risk of further damage when xray dye is used. Blood work will be drawn to help identify patients at risk and levels will be monitored accordingly. IV fluids will also be given during and after the procedure to dilute the dye and filter the dye through the kidneys. In very rare cases additional medication may need to be given.  For those patients with reduced kidney function, we have the ability to use carbon dioxide gas as a dye which is exhaled through the breath and has no effect on the kidneys.  Your provider will speak with you about these options if it is necessary.

Medications to avoid

Any medications which you are taking will be reviewed with you prior to your procedure.  Medicines such as blood thinners will be stopped 1-3 days prior according to which medicine you are taking.  In addition some medicines taken or diabetes will need to be stopped or taken at a reduced dose prior to the procedure.  Finally, blood pressure medicines will more than likely be continued the day of your procedure but some medicines that work by encouraging urination of excess fluid may be stopped.  

All medicine will be reviewed prior to procedure and you will be given written instructions before your procedure for what to take and what to stop temporarily.

What to Expect During Your Procedure

A local anesthetic numbs the skin in the groin area. A tube inserts into the vein on either side of the groin as this is an excellent access point. This stage may be uncomfortable, but the discomfort is not severe.

You will be given medicine that will keep you comfortable during the procedure.  While you may be awake you will be pleasantly sedated and we will work diligently to ensure your comfort.  Our staff will communicate with you throughout the procedure to ensure you are comfortable and aware of everything that is occurring.  We will even play your favorite type of music if you choose.

What to do After Your Procedure

Refrain from any heavy lifting (i.e. no more than 10 pounts), straining, pushing or impact exercises (i.e. running, jogging, cycling) for the first 7 days. You may walk, climb steps and even drive, so long as you do not have excessive bruising, swelling or pain at the puncture site(s). 

You will be discharged with a dressing over the puncture site(s). This may be removed the next morning. Please inspect the puncture site daily for the first few days and notify us for any significant changes. Bruising around the area may be present. If you notice bleeding, swelling, or increase in bruising apply constant direct pressure over the area and seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY. 

Refrain from soaking in a bathtub or hot-tub or pool until the puncture is healed. 

Resource

Venous stenting procedure

Venogram procedure