What is a Venoplasty?
A venoplasty is a balloon angioplasty procedure that uses a balloon-tipped catheter to restore proper blood flow to narrow or collapsed vessels. Wire mesh tubes known as venous stents may also be used together with venoplasty to prevent the narrowing or collapse of vessels in the future, but this isn’t always necessary and will depend on the patient.
With imaging guidance, the catheter is first inserted into the affected blood vessel. The balloon is then inflated and the vessel is carefully widened to restore proper blood flow. If a stent is also needed, it will be fitted at the vessel walls where the narrowing or compression has occurred. The balloon is then deflated and removed.
Venoplasty and venous stents are designed to treat conditions such as:
- Iliac vein compression syndrome
- Pelvic congestion syndrome
- Scarring following deep vein thrombosis
- Narrowing of veins following abdominal and pelvic surgery or radiation
- Central venous stenosis from catheters
- Venous outflow issues in patients on hemodialysis
The venoplasty procedure at The Vascular Experts (TVE) Florida is performed by Dr. Vargas, the only female vascular surgeon in the Greater Orlando area. Dr. Vargas is a board-certified vascular surgeon that specializes in vascular and endovascular surgery, speaks both Spanish and English, and currently leads TVE Florida.
