Precise Imaging, Precise Treatment
Iliocaval IVUS and Stenting in Florence, AL
Intravascular ultrasound, or IVUS, is a specialized imaging technique that gives Dr. Naidu a view from inside your blood vessels, rather than just around them. Combined with venous stenting, it's one of the most effective ways to treat compressed or narrowed veins in the pelvic and lower abdominal area, most notably in May-Thurner Syndrome, a condition where a leg vein is compressed by a nearby artery.
Traditional imaging can sometimes miss these deeper venous blockages, but IVUS lets us see the vein from the inside out, confirming exactly where narrowing is happening before we place a stent to hold the vein open and restore normal blood flow.
If you've had unexplained leg swelling or venous symptoms, especially on one side, that other testing hasn't fully explained, request an appointment and we'll talk through whether this evaluation makes sense for you.
What to Expect
How IVUS and Stenting Work Together
During the procedure, a small catheter equipped with an ultrasound probe is guided into the vein in question, giving Dr. Naidu real-time images from inside the vessel wall. This is often more precise than standard imaging for detecting venous compression, since it shows the vein's true diameter and any narrowing that external imaging might underestimate. If a blockage or compression is confirmed, a stent, a small mesh tube, is placed to hold the vein open and restore normal blood flow. The entire procedure is performed on an outpatient basis in our cath lab.
Angioplasty Compared to Stenting
Patients sometimes ask how angioplasty and stenting compare. Angioplasty uses a small balloon to widen a narrowed vessel temporarily, while stenting places a permanent mesh support to keep it open long-term. In venous procedures like this one, we often use both together: the balloon opens the vein, and the stent keeps it that way. Dr. Naidu will explain exactly which approach fits your specific case.
Who This Procedure Helps
This combination is most commonly used for May-Thurner Syndrome and other forms of iliocaval venous obstruction, which can cause leg swelling, pain, and in some cases contribute to chronic venous insufficiency or blood clots. If your symptoms are more consistent with surface-level vein problems, Spider & Varicose Vein Treatment may be a better fit, and Dr. Naidu will help determine which applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IVUS and stenting a major surgery?
No. This is a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure performed on an outpatient basis, not open surgery. Most patients go home the same day and resume light activity within a short recovery period.
How do I know if I need this procedure instead of standard vein treatment?
Deeper venous blockages, like those seen in May-Thurner Syndrome, typically don't respond to surface-level treatments like sclerotherapy or laser therapy. If your symptoms and imaging point to a compressed or narrowed vein higher up in the pelvic or abdominal area, IVUS and stenting are usually the more appropriate approach. Dr. Naidu will confirm this with imaging before recommending treatment.
Will I need to take blood thinners after getting a venous stent?
Many patients are prescribed a blood thinner for a period after stenting to reduce the risk of clot formation around the new stent. Dr. Naidu will discuss your specific medication plan based on your individual risk factors and the details of your procedure.
How do I schedule a consultation near me?
We evaluate and treat venous compression right here in our Florence office. We also offer online scheduling to make booking easy. Request an appointment and we'll find a time that works. We look forward to seeing you.