Chronic venous occlusion (CVO) is a vein disease in which a blockage in the veins hinders blood flow to the heart. Also known as chronic venous obstruction, CVO is often the result of a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs. The clot can cause scar tissue to build up inside the vein, which can obstruct the flow of blood. Dr. James McGuckin, the experienced physician at Pennsylvania Vascular Institute in Stroudsburg, Bethlehem, Limerick, King Of Prussia, and Philadelphia, PA, diagnoses and treats chronic venous occlusion.
Symptoms of Chronic Venous Occlusion
Many of the symptoms of CVO and other vein disorders develop in the legs. Some of the signs of a possible vein disorder in the legs, such as chronic venous occlusion, include:
- Swelling
- Leg pain
- Leg heaviness
- Leg tenderness
- Skin discoloration
- Varicose veins
- Spider veins
Vein blockages can also sometimes develop in the arms. Symptoms include arm discomfort, aching, sudden swelling, or heaviness of the arm. The skin on the arm could also appear bluish if there is a blockage in the veins.
Causes of CVO
Chronic venous occlusion often develops as the result of a blood clot in the veins of the legs, a disorder known as deep vein thrombosis. When blood clots are not treated promptly, usually with blood thinners, they can cause scar tissue to build up in the veins. Scar tissue can interfere with the flow of blood from the legs to the heart, resulting in chronic venous occlusion.
Another possible cause of CVO is Non-thrombotic lilac Vein Lesion, commonly known as May-Thurner syndrome. This condition is the result of problems with the iliac veins and arteries that pass through the pelvic region of the body. When the left iliac vein becomes compressed by the right iliac artery, blood flow is hindered. This can cause blood to pool in the leg veins and produce clots, which can ultimately lead to chronic venous occlusion.
Treatments for CVO
Advances in modern medicine make it possible to treat chronic venous occlusion and other vein diseases through minimally-invasive procedures at our offices in Stroudsburg, Bethlehem, Limerick, King Of Prussia, and Philadelphia, PA. Procedures for treating CVO include:
- Angioplasty: A thin catheter with a balloon on the end is inserted into the blood vessel. Then the balloon is inflated, thereby opening up the blocked area.
- Stent Placement: A mesh tube is inserted into the blocked vein to hold it open.
It is always important to seek treatment for vein diseases such as chronic venous occlusion to prevent more serious complications from developing.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. McGuckin to discuss treatment options for chronic venous occlusion by calling Pennsylvania Vascular Institute in Stroudsburg, Bethlehem, Limerick, King Of Prussia, and Philadelphia, PA, at (800) 296-9294.