Venous Angioplasty and Stenting

Venous angioplasty is a procedure done to treat vein blockages. Large veins that are narrowed or blocked can cause severe swelling and pain. Sometimes a metal mesh tube called a stent may also be placed into the vein to hold it open.

What is venous stenting?

Venous stents are metal mesh tubes that expand against blocked or narrowed vein walls. They act as a scaffold to keep veins open. In most cases, surgeons place venous stents in larger, central veins, such as those found in the: Legs. Chest.

What is angioplasty and stenting?

The term "angioplasty" means using a balloon to stretch open a narrowed or blocked artery. However, most modern angioplasty procedures also involve inserting a short wire mesh tube, called a stent, into the artery during the procedure. The stent is left in place permanently to allow blood to flow more freely.