VENOUS OBSTUCTION
How venous obstruction can affect your health
When veins in the lower body become narrowed or blocked, the return of blood to the heart is reduced. Over time, this can cause increased pressure in the veins, leading to symptoms such as discomfort, swelling, changes in skin, and in more severe cases, venous ulcers. These symptoms can have a significant impact on daily life and overall well-being.
ILIAC VEINS
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
affects nearly one in three adults
About one in three adults have Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), often affecting the iliac veins deep in the pelvis. This area is difficult to treat because the veins are surrounded by important structures, vary in shape and size, and curve in ways that make stenting challenging. The ALTA™ stent was created with these anatomical challenges in mind.
01
May-Thurner
Syndrome (MTS)
May–Thurner Syndrome (MTS), also known as iliac vein compression, is the classic left-sided compression of the left iliac vein caused by the right iliac artery crossing over it in the pelvis. This narrowing can disrupt blood flow from the leg back to the heart, sometimes leading to swelling, pain, heaviness, or, if left unnoticed, blood clots. While many people have no symptoms at first, the condition is more common than many realise and can develop or worsen after pregnancy due to increased pressure in the pelvic area.
02
Non-Thrombotic
Obstruction (NIVL)
Non-Thrombotic Obstruction, also called Non-Thrombotic Iliac Vein Lesion (NIVL), happens when a vein in the pelvis is narrowed because it is pressed on by a nearby artery. This can occur on either side, though it most often happens near the right iliac vein. In some cases, another nearby artery called the hypogastric artery can also cause narrowing. Studies using special imaging (IVUS) show that about 9 out of 10 people with symptoms such as leg pain, swelling, skin changes, or venous ulcers have this type of vein compression.
03
Deep Vein
Thrombosis (DVT)
Thrombotic Obstruction occurs when a vein becomes blocked by a blood clot, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Each year, DVT affects more than 800,000 people in the United States, and when the larger veins in the pelvis and thigh (iliofemoral veins) are involved, the risk of serious complications increases. Even with blood-thinning treatment, about half of people who experience a DVT develop post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), which can cause long-term symptoms such as pain, swelling, and skin changes.
REFERENCES
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Thukral S, Vedantham S. Catheter-based therapies and other management strategies for deep vein thrombosis and post-thrombotic syndrome. J Clin Med. 2020 May 12;9(5):1439.
Comerota AJ, Kearon C, Gu CS, et al. Endovascular thrombus removal for acute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis. Circulation. 2019 Feb 26;139(9):1162-1173.
Raju, S and Neglen, P. High prevalence of nonthrombotic iliac vein lesions in chronic venous disease: A permissive role in pathogenicity. J Vasc Surg. 2006; 44:136-44.
Raju, S. Phlebolymphology 2008 15(1):12-16.