May Thurner Syndrome Treatment | Stent | Austin Texas
May Thurner Syndrome Treatment
May Thurner Syndrome results from an abnormal compression of the left iliac vein in the pelvis. It occurs due to the right iliac artery abnormally compressing the left iliac vein where it crosses this vessel. The anatomical abormality often leads to left leg pain, pelvic pain, left leg swelling, and sometimes blood clots. Blood clots that result are dangerous since they can sometimes travel to the lungs. When this occurs it is called a pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary refers to the lungs and embolism referrs to the movement of blood clot from the left pelvis or leg to the lung. Pulmonary embolism can result in sudden death from cardiac arrest.
Other than the risks of pulmonary embolism, there is also the concern of chronic pain and swelling developing in the leg. Blood clots can damage veins permanently in both the legs and pelvis.
Medical Treatments For May Thurner Syndrome
Medical treatments for May Thurner Syndrome may include prescription blood thinners called anticoagulants. These medications are utilized when a deep venous thrombosis has occurred. They treat existing blood clots and prevent future blood clot formation. Although they do not directly dissolve the blood clots, they do help to prevent them from getting worse and also decrease the chances of another blood clot forming again. Examples include Lovenox, Heparin, Coumadin, Xarelto, Eliquis, and Pradaxa. Taking long-term blood thinner medications have the risk of bleeding related complications from the drugs.
In addition to these described anticoagulant medications, sometimes medications called thrombolytics are utilized in May Thurner Syndrome. Thrombolytics, such as tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) will directly “lyse” or dissolve the clot very quickly. This can help prevent permanent vein damage and help to prevent the development of Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS). Thrombolytic medications need to be used early in the course of the blood clot (i.e DVT) in order to achieve the deserired results. In addition, administration of thrombolytics required instertion of a catheter directing into the clotted vein(s). The drug is then directly dripped into the clot itself. This is performed in a hospital setting.
In addition to medications, use of compression stockings on the legs is also recommended. Compression stockings help to prevent development or propagation of blood clots. They also help support vein valve function to help minimize the risks of Post-Thrombotic Syndrome. Compression stockings help to relieve leg pain, leg swelling, and leg fatigue that result from May-Thurner Syndrome.
May Thurner Syndrome Treatment Stent Procedures
Stent procedures are one of the most common procedures performed in patients with May-Thurner Syndrome. Since the abnormal anatomy of May Thurner Snydrome involves mechanical vein compression of the left common iliac vein, a stent can be used to relieve and resolve the compressive phenomenon. A metal nitinol stent is placed into the left iliac vein in the pelvis under x-ray guidance. This procedure typically takes about 1 hour and is performed in a catheterization suite in a surgery center or hospital. The vein stent typically cures the May Thurner Syndrome permanently. This allows patient to be able to discontinue long-term prescription anticoagulants and switch to aspirin therapy.
Why Austin Vascular Specialists for Your May Thurner Stent Treatment?
Austin Vascular Specialists is one of the leading centers in Texas for treatment of May-Thurner Syndrome. Our vascular surgeon is board-certified in Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Procedures and has specialized fellowship training in endovascular stent placement for May-Thurner Syndrome. Dr. Gotvald completed a vascular surgery fellowship and endovascular surgery fellowship at Baylor in Texas. Dr. Gotvald is recognized as a destinguished Fellow of the Society For Vascular Surgery (FSVS). He is a also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and has additional certification in venous therapies through the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine (ABVLM). Dr. Gotvald is a Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI), having performed thousands of vascular imaging studies and vascular stents. He is one of just a few venous specialists in the country to have all 4 of these designations. He is considered one of the leading experts in Texas for the treatment of May-Thurner Syndrome.
If you would like to comprehensive schedule a consultation for May-Thurner Syndrome, then please contact our Vascular Center at (512) 339-9100. We accept most health insurance plans. We are open Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm. Our procedures are performed at St David’s and Ascension Seton Hospitals.
