Venogram
Contrast imaging that shows blood flow through the pelvic and leg veins and helps identify areas of narrowing.
May-Thurner Syndrome Treatment in Northwest Indiana & Chicago
Advanced venous diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment for patients in Munster, Northwest Indiana, and the Chicago metro area.
Advanced May-Thurner Syndrome Care in Munster & the Chicago Metro Area
May-Thurner Syndrome is an often-overlooked vascular condition that can cause chronic leg swelling, pain, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and long-term circulation problems.
At Illiana Vascular Centers, we specialize in diagnosing and treating May-Thurner Syndrome using advanced imaging and minimally invasive, image-guided procedures.
Led by Dr. Dominic J. Tolitano, our team provides comprehensive venous evaluations and personalized treatment plans for patients throughout Northwest Indiana and the greater Chicagoland area.
What is May-Thurner Syndrome?
May-Thurner Syndrome occurs when the right iliac artery compresses the left iliac vein deep within the pelvis. This compression restricts blood flow returning from the left leg and pelvis, leading to increased venous pressure, swelling, pain, and, in some cases, blood clots.
Common Symptoms
- Leg swelling, especially in the left leg
- Leg heaviness or fatigue
- Aching or throbbing pain
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Varicose veins
- Skin discoloration
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Symptoms that worsen after prolonged standing or sitting
- Pulmonary embolism
- Recurring long-standing leg vein issues
Some patients may have significant vein compression with only mild symptoms, while others experience severe discomfort or recurrent clotting.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Female gender
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal changes
- Prolonged sitting or immobility
- Prior DVT
- Underlying clotting disorders
- Chronic venous disease
How May-Thurner Syndrome is diagnosed
Accurate diagnosis requires advanced vascular imaging and specialized expertise. At Illiana Vascular Centers, we use sophisticated imaging technologies to identify vein compression and evaluate blood flow in real time.
Pelvic Ultrasound
Non-invasive imaging used to evaluate venous flow patterns and screen for obstruction or compression.
Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS)
Detailed ultrasound from inside the vein, used to measure compression and guide treatment planning with precision.
Comparing treatment approaches
Patients diagnosed with May-Thurner Syndrome often have multiple treatment options.
| Approach | Balloon Angioplasty | Iliac Vein Stenting | Open Surgical Repair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treats | Vein narrowing | Chronic venous compression | Severe anatomical compression |
| Anesthesia | Twilight sedation | Twilight sedation | General anesthesia |
| Incision | Tiny puncture | Tiny puncture | Surgical incision |
| Hospital stay | Outpatient | Outpatient | Several days |
| Recovery Time | Days | Days | Several weeks |
| Procedural Risk | Low | Low | Higher |
| Long-Term Goal | Improved blood flow | Long-term vein support | Surgical reconstruction |
Frequently asked questions about May-Thurner Syndrome
What causes May-Thurner Syndrome?
May-Thurner Syndrome occurs when the right iliac artery compresses the left iliac vein, restricting blood flow from the left leg and pelvis.
How is May-Thurner Syndrome diagnosed?
Diagnosis may include venous ultrasound, venography, and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to identify compression and measure the vein from within.
Can May-Thurner Syndrome be treated without open surgery?
Many patients can be treated with minimally invasive options such as balloon angioplasty or iliac vein stenting, depending on their anatomy and symptoms.
When should I seek a vascular evaluation?
Persistent one-sided leg swelling, pelvic pressure, recurrent deep vein thrombosis, or unexplained circulation symptoms may warrant a specialized vascular evaluation.