Venous Occlusion

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.

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.