Inferior Vena Cava Filters, May-Thurner Syndrome, and Vein Stents

Abstract

Vein stents can be successful in decreasing leg symptoms after a leg DVT such as chronic swelling and leg pain caused by narrowing of a pelvic vein. We do not know whether stents prevent blood clots from forming in the future or how long a patient needs to stay on blood thinners or antiplatelet medications after stent placement. Stents are foreign bodies and are not without risk. They may occlude over time and lead to the need for repeated radiological procedures (angioplasties) to open them again. Therefore, they should be placed only after the risks and benefits have been carefully weighed.