Pelvic venous disease.
Minimally invasive, outpatient treatment for pelvic venous disorders, formerly called pelvic congestion syndrome, including vein stenting for May-Thurner syndrome.
When pelvic veins stop working.
Valves inside the veins of the pelvis can fail, letting blood pool and the veins enlarge. This can cause a dull, aching pelvic pain that worsens through the day, pain during or after intercourse, and visible varicose veins on the vulva, buttocks or upper thighs.
Pelvic venous embolization closes off the faulty veins from the inside using small coils and a medication that seals the vein. Blood reroutes through healthy veins, relieving the pressure.
May-Thurner syndrome and vein stenting. Sometimes the problem is a blockage rather than a leak. In May-Thurner syndrome, an artery presses on the left iliac vein in the pelvis, narrowing it and backing blood up into the pelvis and leg. This can cause pelvic pain, left leg swelling and heaviness, varicose veins, and a higher risk of blood clots. Through a small puncture in a vein, a stent is placed to hold the narrowed vein open and restore normal flow. Some patients need embolization, some need a stent, and some benefit from both.
Who it can help.
From consultation to recovery.
We review your symptoms and imaging, and coordinate with your gynecologist or primary care physician.
Through a pinhole in the skin, a thin catheter is guided to the affected pelvic veins. Faulty veins are closed with coils and a sealing medication, and a narrowed iliac vein is opened with a stent. You are awake but comfortable with light sedation.
You go home within a few hours, and we follow up to track your progress.
Relief from pelvic pain.
Many women notice their pelvic pain and heaviness ease over the weeks after treatment, and visible pelvic varicose veins often improve.
After stenting for May-Thurner syndrome, leg swelling and heaviness often improve as normal blood flow returns. You may take a blood thinner for a period afterward, and we follow up with ultrasound to make sure the stent stays open.
Take pelvic pain seriously.
Email us to schedule a consultation.