What To Know About Venous Stents
Stents are made of metal alloys, commonly high-grade steel or nitinol. Like a spring, the stent can be compressed and loaded into a catheter that is smaller than a straw. The procedure begins with a needle puncture in the thigh will the patient is under general anesthesia. A guidewire is inserted into the vein, and a catheter is advanced over the guidewire to the area of blockage. The blocked section of the vein is first widened using a balloon angioplasty. However, because veins are elastic and can recoil like a rubber band, the vessel may narrow again after balloon dilation.
To help keep the vein open, a stent is placed inside the vein. Once deployed, the compressed stent expands back to its original size, which can be half an inch or more in diameter. The stent forms an inner tubular scaffold that helps to maintain normal blood flow. The final site of the stent is commonly in the abdominal veins that drain the leg circulation. Venous stents are most commonly placed in the abdominal and pelvic veins that drain blood from the legs. In most cases, stents are positioned above the groin crease, though in some cases the lower end of the stent may extend into the thigh veins. Occasionally, multiple stents are required to treat a longer blocked segment.
The side effects of stenting are usually few and mild. Because veins do not transmit sensation, the stent itself should not be felt. Some patients may notice a pulling or tugging sensation, usually caused by tissue swelling or muscle spasm rather than the stent it’s. This is typically harmless. Some patients may experience moderate back pain, which often improves with medication and light activity. If pain does not improve with treatment or continues to worsen, contact your physician.
Bruising or discoloration around the needle insertion site is common and may appear several days after the procedure. This is usually harmless and should resolve on its own. If bruising is extensive, you may use warm or cold compresses based on your comfort preference. Aspercreme® may be applied to the area two to three times daily for symptom relief. Contact your doctor if you experience significant swelling or severe pain with discoloration.
How to Care For Your Venous Stent
1. You can take a shower or bathe anytime after discharge, and clean the incision with soap and dry. If steri-strips are present leave them in place. The steri-strips will come off by themselves or may be removed the next day. Cover the sight with a Band-Aid® if desired.
2. For back pain or tenderness at the stick site, you may take Advil® or Motrin® (ibuprofen) 400mg by mouth every 8 hours for the first 3-5 days after the procedure unless otherwise directed by your physician.
3. Return to full activity level just as before surgery. Exercise is good. Walk briskly for about one mile every day. If swelling occurs, elevate the leg when sitting.
4. If your physician prescribed Circaid® compression garments or compression stockings, wear them throughout the day (morning until evening) and remove them at bedtime.
5. If a leg ulcer is present, continue the ulcer care as previously instructed.
6. If you have any additional questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call the office.