Venous Angioplasty for Post Thrombotic Syndrome

Let’s begin by first explaining that a venous angioplasty is an endovascular procedure used to specifically treat venous blockages by expanding a balloon inside the vessel at the blockage site to improve blood flow. Next, let’s explain Post Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS). PTS is a term that encompasses a wide variety of long-term complications that may occur as a consequence of another condition we call deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which usually occurs in a leg.

So, putting it all together, venous angioplasty for post thrombotic syndrome is an endovascular procedure that uses catheter based balloons to push aside post thrombotic changes left behind by DVT. This frequently improves the blood flow up and out of the effected leg.

At Allegheny Vein & Vascular, Venous Angioplasty for Post Thrombotic Syndrome is a commonly performed procedure. For patient safely, this is a sterile procedure. At AVV, we use ultrasound guidance to access a small vein at the ankle. Venography is performed using contrast, which shows us both flow patterns and narrowings inside the deep veins that run inside the leg. A catheter-based balloon is then inserted through the ankle access point and carefully positioned where the constrictive venous scar is located. Multiple balloon inflations are required to push aside as much of the venous scar as possible. After the balloon is removed, venography is performed again to assess the changes to the venous blood flow patterns. When finished, a tiny stitch is placed at the access site and pressure is applied to control bleeding.

At Allegheny Vein & Vascular, we’ve found that every patient is different and some will require 2 or 3 of these procedures over time to attain the desired result.

The procedure usually lasts less than an hour from access to closure. Total time may be 3-4 hours.