In vivo evaluation of safety and performance of a tapered nitinol venous stent with inclined proximal end in an ovine iliac venous model.

A tapered stent with inclined proximal end is designed for fitting the iliac anatomically. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and performance of the new stent in ovine left iliac veins. The experiment was performed in 30 adult sheep, and one nitinol-based VENA-BT® iliac venous stent (KYD stent) was implanted into each animal's left common iliac vein. Follow-up in all sheep consisted of angiographic, macroscopic, and microscopic examinations at Day 0 (< 24 h), Day 30, Day 90, Day 180 and Day 360 post-stenting (six animals per each time-point). 30 healthy ~ 50 kg sheep were included in this study and randomly divided into five groups according to the follow-up timepoint. All stents were implanted successfully into the left ovine common iliac vein. No significant migration occurred at follow-up. There is no statistically significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05), indicating no serious lumen loss occurred during the follow-up period. Common iliac venous pressure was further measured and the results further indicated the lumen patency at follow-up. Histological examinations indicated that no vessel injury and wall rupture, stent damage, and luminal thrombus occurred. There was moderate inflammatory cell infiltration around the stent in Day-0 and Day-30 groups with the average inflammation score of 2.278 and 2.167, respectively. The inflammatory reaction was significantly reduced in Day-90, Day-180 and Day-360 groups and the average inflammation scores were 0.9444 (p < 0.001, Day-90 vs Day-0), 1.167 (p < 0.001, Day-180 vs Day-0) and 0.667 (p < 0.001, Day-90 vs Day-0), respectively. The microscopic examinations found that the stents were well covered by endothelial cells in all follow-up time points. The results suggested that the KYD stent is feasible and safe in animal model. Future clinical studies may be required to further evaluate its safety and efficacy.

A rare etiology of frequent ventricular ectopy: Embolic complication of a venous iliac stent to the right ventricle.

Peripheral venous stent migration is an exceedingly rare complication of endovascular stenting. In this clinical vignette, we present a case of a 74-year-old male with a history of endo-venous laser ablation therapy of the right greater saphenous vein complicated with an occlusion requiring a left iliac vein stent. The patient presented to the clinic months after the procedure with complaints of palpitations. Multimodality imaging revealed a stent that had become dislodged and was now located in the right ventricle, trapped within the tricuspid valve apparatus.

Thrombectomy of the Profunda Femoral Vein in Iliofemoral Deep Venous Thrombosis Using an Antegrade Popliteal Approach.

PURPOSE: Residual or undertreated inflow disease is a major cause of stent occlusion following endovascular thrombectomy for iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The profunda femoral vein (PFV) is an important inflow vessel alongside the femoral vein but is traditionally challenging to treat via an antegrade popliteal approach. This technical note describes a novel approach for PFV clearance in iliofemoral thrombectomy via the popliteal vein. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight patients underwent PFV clearance as part of iliofemoral DVT thrombectomy via an antegrade popliteal approach. In seven patients, a popliteal-profunda communicating vessel was identified permitting PFV access and thrombectomy. In one patient, a popliteal-profunda communicator was not identified and an 'up and over' approach via the femoral bifurcation from the same popliteal access was utilised. Thrombectomy was performed using the Inari ClotTriever device or Penumbra's Indigo system. RESULTS: Technical success in PFV thrombectomy was 100%. Six patients (75%) underwent stenting for an iliac stenotic lesion or May Thurner compression point. At the four-week ultrasound follow-up, the pelvic iliofemoral segment was patent in 7 patients (87.5%). The PFV was patent in 7 patients (87.5%) whereas the FV was only patent in 4 patients (50%). One patient underwent reintervention for iliofemoral stent occlusion. No PFV injury occurred and no post-procedure profunda reflux was identified. CONCLUSION: PFV clearance can be achieved via an antegrade popliteal approach in iliofemoral thrombectomy to optimise inflow, negating the need for alternative or additional venous access. PFV may maintain upstream iliofemoral vein patency even with an occluded femoral vein. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4, Case Series.

Histological Features of In-Stent Restenosis after Iliac Vein Thrombus Removal and Stent Placement in a Goat Model.

PURPOSE: To establish an animal model for in-stent restenosis (ISR) after postthrombotic iliac vein stent placement and characterize histopathological changes in tissue within the stented vein. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Iliac vein thrombosis was induced using balloon occlusion and thrombin injection in 8 male Boer goats. Mechanical thrombectomy and iliac vein stent placement were performed 3 days after thrombosis induction. Restenosis was evaluated by venography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) at 1 and 8 weeks after stent placement, and stent specimens were taken for pathological examination after the animals were euthanized. RESULTS: Thrombosis induction was successful in all 8 goats, with >80% iliac vein occlusion. After thrombus removal, OCT revealed considerable venous intimal thickening and a small number of mural thrombi. Neointimal hyperplasia with thrombus formation was observed in all goats 1 week after stent implantation; the degree of ISR was 15%-33%. At 8 weeks, the degree of ISR was 21%-32% in 3 goats, and stent occlusion was observed in 1 goat. At 1 week, the neointima predominantly consisted of fresh thrombi. At 8 weeks, proliferplastic fibrotic tissue and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were predominant, and the stent surfaces were endothelialized in 2 of 3 goats and partially endothelialized in 1 goat. CONCLUSIONS: In the goat model, postthrombotic neointimal hyperplasia in the venous stent may result from time-dependent thrombus formation and organization, accompanied by migration and proliferation of SMCs, causing ISR. These results provide a basis to further explore the mechanism of venous ISR and promote the development of venous stents that reduce neointimal hyperplasia.

Randomized controlled trials of interventions for acute iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), notably deep venous thrombosis (DVT), represents a significant cardiovascular disease with high morbidity from post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). Recent advancements in early thrombus removal technologies have prompted randomized controlled trials (RCT) to assess their efficacy and safety, particularly for iliofemoral DVT (IF-DVT), which carries the greatest risk of developing PTS. This narrative review summarizes these trials and introduces upcoming innovations to evaluate acute intervention for IF-DVT. Specific technologies discussed include catheter-directed thrombolysis, pharmacomechanical catheter-directed thrombolysis, ultrasound-accelerated catheter-directed thrombolysis, and non-lytic mechanical thrombectomy. This review underscores the importance of patient selection, with those presenting with extensive, symptomatic IF-DVT likely to benefit most.

The background and role of catheter-directed thrombolysis evolving procedures for acute iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis.

Minimal invasive treatment such as early endovenous thrombus removal for iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis (DVT) emerged in the end of last century. The principle is catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) using either plasminogen activating agents alone, as ultrasound-assisted CDT, or in combination with mechanical devices as pharmaco-mechanical CDT. The interest for this treatment modality is the high rate of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) with anticoagulation (AC) alone, especially after iliofemoral DVT. Recently published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing early thrombus removal with AC alone, as well as non-randomized studies, have demonstrated favorable rates, or at least a decrease of moderate and severe PTS, in favor of these procedures. This article will summarize the background and evolution of the procedures in the last three decades and discuss fundamental criteria for inclusion and exclusion, focusing on the procedures regarding thrombus age and location, technical issues, complications and results including different outcome measures for PTS, for which iliac DVT involvement is a massive risk factor to be prevented.

Management of iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis with distal involvement.

Endovascular treatment of iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (IF DVT) can become more complex when thrombus extends below the knee. This article discusses various techniques that can be used to treat IF DVT with distal involvement.

Principles of Optimal Antithrombotic Therapy for Iliac VEnous Stenting (POATIVES): A national expert-based Delphi consensus study.

OBJECTIVE: Management of antithrombotic therapy in patients undergoing venous stents has not yet reached consensus, and there are not any recommendations from published guidelines. We undertook a Delphi consensus from Chinese experts to develop recommendations regarding the preferred antithrombotic therapy in patients following venous stenting. METHODS: The phase 1 questionnaire was comprised of three clinical scenarios of venous stenting for non-thrombotic iliac vein lesions (NIVL), acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and was sent to venous practitioners across China. In phase 2, the results of phase 1 were distributed to a panel of experts for evaluation along with a questionnaire encompassing a series of statements produced during phase 1. A modified Delphi method was used to reach consensus on recommendations through two rounds of surveys. RESULTS: The phase 1 questionnaire was completed by 283 respondents. In phase 2, an expert panel consisting of 28 vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists was assembled and voted 17 statements relating to antithrombotic management after venous stenting for NIVL (4 statements), DVT (6 statements), and PTS (7 statements). The majority of the statements about the antithrombotic agent selection received a high consensus strength. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the national Delphi consensus of Chinese experts regarding antithrombotic therapy following iliac venous stenting in three common scenarios, most of the statements could be used to guide antithrombotic management following venous stenting. Further studies are required to clarify controversial issues including the dose and duration of anticoagulants, the role of antiplatelet agents, especially in patients with NIVL.

The role of iliac vein stent placement in pelvic venous disorder management.

Pelvic venous disease (PeVD) has historically been challenging to diagnose and treat. This paper describes a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis of PeVD and reviews the role of iliac vein stent placement in treatment. Patient selection is vital for non-thrombotic iliac vein lesions (NIVLs) as only a small subset of patients with an NIVL will benefit from stent placement. There is limited, inconclusive data on optimal treatment for patients with both primary ovarian vein reflux and an NIVL. Patients with chronic post-thrombotic outflow obstruction typically have a more favorable risk/benefit ratio for intervention but require anticoagulation and close follow-up due to poorer long-term stent patency. Intravascular ultrasound is a useful tool for identifying obstructive lesions, sizing stents, and planning landing zones. More research is needed to characterize underlying pathophysiology, validate thresholds for intervention, develop reliable methods for outcomes assessment, and determine treatment response. Until this data is produced, an individualized treatment approach is warranted.

Comparative outcomes of catheter-directed thrombolysis versus AngioJet pharmacomechanical catheter-directed thrombolysis for treatment of acute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of pharmacomechanical thrombolysis and thrombectomy (PCDT) plus catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) vs CDT alone for the treatment of acute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and summarize the clinical experience, safety outcomes, and short- and long-term efficacy. METHODS: We performed a 4-year retrospective, case-control study. A total of 95 consecutive patients with acute symptomatic iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (DVT) with a symptom duration of ≤7 days involving the iliac and/or common femoral veins underwent endovascular interventions. The patients were divided into two groups according to their clinical indications: PCDT plus CDT vs CDT alone. Statistical analyses were used to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes between the two groups. Additionally, the patients were followed up for 3 to 36 months after treatment, and the proportions of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and moderate to severe PTS were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier survival method. RESULTS: A total of 95 consecutive patients were analyzed in this retrospective study, of whom, 51 underwent CDT alone and 44 underwent PCDT plus CDT. Between the two groups, in terms of immediate-term efficacy and safety, significant differences were found in the catheter retention time (60.64 ± 12.04 hours vs 19.42 ± 4.04 hours; P < .001), dosages of urokinase required (5.82 ± 0.81 million units vs 1.80 ± 0.64 million units; P < .001), the detumescence rate at 24 hours postoperatively (48.46% ± 8.62% vs 76.79% ± 7.98%; P = .026), the descent velocity of D-dimer per day (2266.28 ± 1358.26 µg/L/D vs 3842.34 ± 2048.02 µg/L/D; P = .018), total hospitalization stay (6.2 ± 1.40 days vs 3.8 ± 0.70 days; P = .024), number of postoperative angiograms (2.4 ± 0.80 vs 1.2 ± 0.30; P = .042), and grade III venous patency (>95% lysis: 54.5% vs 68.6%; P = .047). Furthermore, during the follow-up period, significant differences were found in the incidence of PTS (Villalta scale ≥5 or a venous ulcer: 47.0% vs 27.7%; P = .037), and the incidence proportion of moderate to severe PTS at 12 months (15.7% vs 4.5%; P = .024) and 24 months (35.3% vs 11.4%; P = .016). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with CDT alone, in the iliofemoral DVT subgroup with a symptom duration of ≤7 days, PCDT plus CDT could significantly relieve early leg symptoms, shorten the hospitalization stay, reduce bleeding complications, promote long-term venous patency, and decrease the occurrence of PTS and the incidence proportion of moderate to severe PTS. Thus, the short- and long-term outcomes both support the superiority of PCDT plus CDT vs CDT in this subgroup.

Prevalence and predictors of radiological left common iliac vein compression in asymptomatic patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of radiological left common iliac vein (LCIV) compression among the asymptomatic population and identify possible predictors. METHODS: Contrast-enhanced abdominal and/or pelvic computed tomography scans of eligible asymptomatic patients were examined. The LCIV diameter was measured from different horizontal planes in the venous phase using PACSView. Degree of LCIV compression (Dc) was calculated by a predefined formula and graded as insignificant (Dc < 25%), mild (≥25% Dc < 50%), moderate (≥50% Dc <75%), and severe (Dc ≥ 75%). Venous stenosis was defined as a Dc of ≥50%. Comparison of variables, including gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and comorbidities was performed between the different grades of LCIV compression. RESULTS: Between November 2019 and July 2022, 1698 eligible asymptomatic patients (53.1% females; mean age, 39.3 ± 11.8 years; mean BMI, 22.9 ± 3.6 kg/m2) were reviewed. The mean Dc was 46.2% (range, 0.29%-90.4%). Insignificant, mild, moderate, and severe compression were distributed in 14.5%, 38.0%, 42.2%, and 5.2% of the cohort population, respectively. Prevalence of venous stenosis was higher in females than males (58.1% vs 42.2%; χ2 = 15.52; P < .001). Females aged ≥25 and <35 years accounted for the highest proportion of venous stenosis than other age groups and was a significant predictor (odds ratio [OR], 3.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.74-7.79; P < .001). In the Asian BMI classification group, being underweight is associated with venous stenosis (OR, 4.69; 95% CI, 2.70-8.14; P < .001) and obesity may be a protective factor (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.23-0.64; P < .001). There is an inverse relationship between Dc and age and BMI. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of radiological LCIV compression on computed tomography scans was high, but all patients were asymptomatic. Female gender, especially those aged ≥25 and <35 years, and underweight were possible predictors for venous stenosis.

Ilio-femoral venous stenting for post-thrombotic syndrome in women of childbearing age: efficacy and impact of pregnancy-a multi-center study by the French Society of Cardiovascular Imaging.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the efficacy of iliofemoral venous stenting in women of childbearing age treated for post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and assessed the influence of pregnancy on stent occlusion. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on women of childbearing age who underwent endovascular stenting for PTS due to chronic iliocava occlusion across 15 centers from 2009 to 2020. The study assessed pregnancy rates, primary patency rates, secondary patency rates, and clinical efficacy using the Villalta score for PTS severity and the Chronic Venous Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire - version 20 (CIVIQ-20), 6-12 months after the procedure. The impact of pregnancy on stent occlusion was analyzed using classical and multi-state survival analyses. Prophylactic low-molecular-weight heparin or fondaparinux was administered to patients during pregnancy until 6 weeks post-partum. RESULTS: In total, 211 women with PTS underwent endovascular stenting, with a median age of 31 years (range: 16-42). Following recanalization, significant improvements were observed in the Villalta score (p < 0.0001) and the CIVIQ-20 score (p < 0.0001). Thirty-seven (17.6%) women became pregnant and 49 (23.2%) experienced stent occlusions. The 1-year and 5-year occlusion-free survival probabilities were 80.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 75.1-86.4%) and 66.6% (95% CI: 57.4-77.4%), respectively. There was no significant association between pregnancy and stent occlusion-free survival (hazard ratio = 1.00 [95% CI: 0.11-8.92], p = 0.9930). CONCLUSION: Iliofemoral venous stenting in women of childbearing age was an effective treatment for post-thrombotic syndrome, and it did not increase the risk for stent occlusion during pregnancy when accompanied by appropriate anticoagulation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: This study demonstrates that pregnancy following iliofemoral venous stenting for post-thrombotic syndrome does not elevate the risk for stent occlusion. KEY POINTS: • The severity of post-thrombotic syndrome and the quality of life, as measured using the Villalta score and Chronic Venous Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire - version 20, respectively, showed significant improvements 6-12 months after iliofemoral venous stenting. • The occurrence of pregnancy after recanalization in women of childbearing age did not lead to a significant increase in the risk for stent occlusion.

The beneficial role of complex decongestive therapy in patients with symptomatic chronic iliofemoral venous obstruction with phlebolymphedema.

OBJECTIVE: Phlebolymphedema has been noted to be one of the most common causes of lymphedema in the lower extremity in western societies. Although complex decongestive therapy (CDT) represents the mainstay of lymphedema treatment, its role for phlebolymphedema arising from chronic iliofemoral venous obstruction (CIVO) merits further exploration. We evaluated this through the use of a protocol of CDT first for limbs with CEAP (clinical, etiologic, anatomic, pathophysiologic) clinical C3 disease and stent correction of obstruction before CDT for those with more advanced disease (CEAP C4-C6). In the present study, we analyzed the outcomes after the use of such a protocol. METHODS: We analyzed prospectively collected data for 192 limbs (166 patients) that underwent treatment of quality-of-life (QoL) impairing symptoms from CIVO due to lymphoscintigraphically determined phlebolymphedema between 2017 and 2022. The characteristics evaluated included CEAP clinical class, venous clinical severity score (VCSS), grade of swelling (GOS), visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, QoL (CIVIQ-20 [20-item chronic venous disease quality of life questionnaire]), stenting for CIVO, and outcomes related to CDT and stenting. For the limbs undergoing CDT or stenting followed by CDT, the outcomes were evaluated at 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months after completion of CDT. Paired and unpaired t tests, χ2 tests, and analysis of variance were used for comparisons of clinical variables. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate stent patency, with the log-rank test used to discriminate between different curves. RESULTS: Of the 192 limbs (166 patients) in the entire cohort, 74 were in the C3 group and 118 were in the C4-C6 group. The median patient age was 63 years; 57 were men and 109 were women. In the C3 group, after CDT, improvement had occurred in the VCSS and VAS pain score at 6 weeks (P < .0001) and at 3 (P < .0001), 6 (P < .0001), and 12 (P < .0001) months. Improvement in the GOS was noted at 6 (P < .0001) and 12 (P = .0005) months. The CIVIQ-20 score improved from 63 to 38 (P = .009). Nine limbs (12%) in the C3 group required stenting after CDT. In the C4-C6 group, of the 118 limbs, 75 (64%) underwent stenting only and 43 (36%) underwent stenting followed by CDT for persistent QoL impairing symptoms. For this latter group, after CDT, improvement occurred in the VCSS, GOS, and VAS pain score at 6 weeks (P < .0001) and 3 (P < .0001), 6 (P < .0001), and 12 (P < .0001) months. The CIVIQ-20 score improved from 61 to 34 (P < .0001). The primary, primary assisted, and secondary patency in the C4-C6 group at 36 months was 92%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: For CEAP C3 patients with phlebolymphedema due to CIVO, CDT should be a part of the first line of treatment. Stenting should be reserved for those with QoL impairing symptoms despite the use of CDT. Additionally, CDT helps provide symptom relief for patients with more advanced CEAP C4-C6 disease with persistent or residual edema after stenting. Further study is warranted.

Iliac vein variation in the sacral promontory on three-dimensional computed tomography angiography: a prospective observational study before laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Venous injury may occur during exposure of the anterior longitudinal ligament at the anterior sacral promontory (SP). We aimed to quantitatively measure the extent of the vascular window (VW) in front of the SP in patients with internal iliac vein (IIV) variations using preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography angiography (3DCTA). We hypothesized that patients with IIV variations would have a narrow VW. METHODS: This prospective observational study included patients scheduled for laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) between July 2022 and April 2023 who underwent preoperative 3DCTA. The primary endpoint was the VW measurement in the standard and variant IIV groups using 3DCTA before LSC. The secondary endpoint was the difference between the two IIV groups adjusted for age, body mass index, hypertension, and diabetes using an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model. Multiple regression analysis was performed to analyze the effect of factors on the distance from the SP to great vascular bifurcations. RESULTS: There were 20 cases of IIV variation (20.2%). VW was 28.8 ± 12.4 mm in the variant group and 39.6 ± 12.6 mm in the standard group (p = 0.001). In the ANCOVA model, IIV variations affected VW (coefficient, -11.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], -18.4 to -5.08, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the aorta-SP distance decreased with age (coefficient, -0.44; 95% CI, -0.77 to -0.11, p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: One in five women has a vascular variant at the SP that restricts the "safe" zone of fixation to < 3 cm.

An Evaluation of the Duration of Oral Anticoagulant Use Among Patients Undergoing Endovascular Treatment of Nonthrombotic Iliac Vein Lesions.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes associated with the duration of postoperative direct oral anticoagulant (DOACs) therapy in patients with nonthrombotic iliac vein lesions. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 176 consecutive patients who underwent stenting for nonthrombotic iliac vein lesions between March 2018 and December 2021. In total, 99 and 77 patients were discharged on a 3-month and >3-month regimen of DOAC therapy, respectively. The primary cumulative endpoint was a composite of thrombotic complications, bleeding complications, primary patency, primary-assisted patency, and secondary patency within 1 year. RESULTS: Patients undergoing 3-month and >3-month DOAC therapy were similar in age, sex, lesion site, symptoms, and average stent diameter and length. Upon multivariate analysis, the primary cumulative endpoint did not differ between the 2 groups (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.42-3.30; P = 0.76). Moreover, the primary patency at 1 year did not differ between the groups (HR: 1.50; 95% CI: 0.14-16.54; P = 0.74). Furthermore, there were no discernible differences in the secondary endpoints of bleeding complications (HR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.22-1.96; P = 0.45) or thrombotic complications (HR: 1.79; 95% CI: 0.55-5.80; P = 0.34) between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The 3-month regimen of DOAC therapy showed a similar risk of postoperative thrombosis and bleeding when compared to longer DOAC therapy durations over the course of 1 year following endovascular intervention. This could be a preferred option for patients with a higher estimated bleeding risk after venous stenting.

Can cross-sectional imaging replace diagnostic venography in pelvic venous disorder (PeVD)?

OBJECTIVE: The primary etiology of pelvic venous disorder is multifactorial and challengeable in vascular surgery as it mandates multidisciplinary team cooperation for its evaluation and management. METHODS: All patients investigated for pelvic venous disorder in a high-volume, tertiary referral university hospital were identified and analyzed retrospectively during the period (March 2021 through September 2022). Demographic and medical data were scored. Agreement between the noninvasive modalities (computed tomographic venography [CTV] or magnetic resonance venography [MRV]) and diagnostic venography in detecting the refluxing pelvic veins was analyzed. Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy are also measured. No patients' treatments were reported in this study as the treatment is scheduled in other sessions in some cases and is out of the scope of this article. All patients had a diagnostic venogram regardless of the axial imaging modality. The main goal was to compare cross-sectional imaging with diagnostic venography. RESULTS: The total number of patients was 120 with a mean age of 34.4 ± 7.1 years; 86.7% were multiparous. All patients presented chronic pelvic pain with vulvoperineal and/or atypical lower limb varicosities. Then patients were divided into two groups: those with CTV and those with MRV. Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of CTV were 50%, 33%, and 47% for the detection of incompetent ovarian veins, 83%, 33%, and 53% for the detection of incompetent internal iliac veins, and 50%, 40%, and 47% for the detection of incompetent pelvic plexus veins, respectively, whereas time-resolved MRV achieved sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of 73%, 25%, and 60% for the detection of incompetent ovarian veins, 75%, 46%, and 53% for the detection of incompetent internal iliac veins, and 67%, 33% and 60% for detection of incompetent pelvic plexus veins, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The desire to avoid the drawbacks of diagnostic venography led to an increase in the use of noninvasive imaging modalities. Our results achieved acceptable sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy outcomes for cross-sectional imaging with the superiority of MRV over CTV in diagnosing PCS.

Technical Feasibility and Clinical Efficacy of Iliac Vein Stent Placement in Adolescents and Young Adults with May-Thurner Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To report technical feasibility and clinical efficacy of iliac vein stent placement in adolescent patients with May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-institution retrospective review of the medical record between 2014 and 2021 found 63 symptomatic patients (F = 40/63; mean age 16.1 years, 12-20 years) who underwent left common iliac vein (LCIV) stent placement for treatment of LCIV compression from an overriding right common iliac artery, or equivalent (n = 1, left IVC). 32/63 (50.7%) patients presented with non-thrombotic iliac vein lesions (NIVL). 31/63 (49.2%) patients presented with deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity and required catheter-directed thrombolysis after stent placement (tMTS). Outcomes include technically successful stent placement with resolution of anatomic compression and symptom improvement. Stent patency was monitored with Kaplan-Meier analysis at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. Anticoagulation and antiplatelet (AC/AP) regimens were reported. RESULTS: Technical success rate was 98.4%. 74 bare-metal self-expanding stents were placed in 63 patients. Primary patency at 12, and 24-months was 93.5%, and 88.9% for the NIVL group and 84.4% and 84.4% for the tMTS group for the same period. Overall patency for the same time intervals was 100%, and 95.4% for the NIVL group and 96.9%, and 96.9% for the tMTS group. Procedural complication rate was 3.2% (2/63) with no thrombolysis-related bleeding complications. Clinical success was achieved in 30/32 (93.8%) and 29/31 (93.5%) patients with tMTS and NIVL groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: CIV stent placement in the setting of tMTS and NIVL is technically feasible and clinically efficacious in young patients with excellent patency rates and a favorable safety profile.