A condition that can cause pain and swelling in the affected part of the body
Veins are blood vessels that return blood to the heart. Venous occlusion describes a condition in which a vein becomes narrowed, blocked, or compressed by nearby structures such as clots, muscles, arteries, or other veins. This can result in blood pooling and flowing backward, causing swelling and pain in the area.
Examples of venous occlusion include May-Thurner syndrome , in which the left iliac vein in the pelvis is compressed by the right iliac artery; and nutcracker syndrome, in which a vein that carries blood out of the kidney is pinched by nearby arteries.
Our Vascular and Endovascular Program team will work with you to develop a treatment plan to manage your symptoms and help avoid serious complications. Venous occlusion can increase your risk of a blood clot in a deep vein, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Tests
Diagnosing venous occlusion is the first step to developing a treatment plan. Our specialists may recommend one or more diagnostic and imaging procedures.
Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan
The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.
Fluoroscopy
A fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that uses a continuous X-ray beam passed through the body to create real-time, moving images of your internal structures.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets, and computer technology to create images of your heart and blood vessels.
Treatments
Treatment for venous occlusion will depend on the location and severity of the occlusion. Your doctor may recommend medications such as blood-thinning drugs to prevent blood clots or clot-dissolving medications, or procedures such as angioplasty or stenting to widen a vein.
Venous stenting
Venous stenting uses a wire mesh tube placed within a vein to widen it and improve blood flow.Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
-
Sonya Alekseyev, FNP-BC
Vascular Surgery
-
Margaret Walkup Arnold, MD
Vascular Surgery
-
Danielle Bielecki, CRNP
Vascular Surgery
-
Donna Carol Buckley, MD
Vascular Interventional Radiology
-
Jason Crowner, MD
Vascular Surgery
-
Marissa Mallari Magtanong, AGNP-C
Vascular Surgery
-
Krystal C. Maloni, MD
Vascular Surgery
-
Melissa Kanji Meghpara, DO
Vascular Surgery
-
Mihae Shin-Diep, ACNP-BC
Vascular Surgery
-
Lauren Elizabeth Van Winkle, PA
Vascular Surgery
-
Sarkis Garabet Aghazarian, MD
Vascular Surgery
-
Nabil Badro, MD
Vascular Surgery
-
Shan-E-Ali Haider, MD
Vascular Surgery
-
Rodeen Rahbar, MD
Vascular Surgery
-
Kapil Simlote, MD
Vascular Surgery
-
Jeffrey Ye-Chang Wang, MD
Vascular Interventional Radiology
Show All
Additional information
Vascular and Endovascular Program
Partner with a recognized leader in offering care ranging from straightforward vascular disease to the most complex vascular disorders.
Ask MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute
Have general questions for our heart and vascular program? Email us at AskMHVI@medstar.net. If you have clinically-specific questions, please contact your physician’s office.