When a vein problem is deep in the legs, pelvis or belly, FCCI uses four tools: venography to see blood flow, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to look inside the vein, venoplasty to widen a narrow vein with a balloon, and stents to hold it open. These are done in FCCI's outpatient catheterization lab.
Why deep veins are different
Surface veins sit just under the skin. Deep veins run through the muscles and carry most of the blood back to your heart. When a deep vein is clotted, scarred or squeezed, blood backs up. That can cause swelling, heaviness, skin changes and pain. Treating surface veins alone will not fix a deep vein blockage.
FCCI is the only freestanding catheterization lab that focuses on treating and managing clotted veins.
Signs a deep vein may be involved
- A prior or current deep vein clot, including an IVC stent
- Unexplained swelling
- Lower pelvic pain in women
- Veins across the belly or pelvic area
- Ulcers on the legs
The four tools
- Venography. An x-ray exam that shows how blood is flowing through your veins. It can find clots or identify a vein for a procedure.
- Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). A specially designed ultrasound probe images the deep veins of the legs, pelvis and belly from inside the vein. It helps tell a clot apart from compression and other problems.
- Venoplasty. A small balloon is inflated inside a narrowed vein to widen it and improve blood flow.
- Stents. Small tubes placed in the vein to keep it open so blood can flow.
Why outpatient matters
In 2007, FCCI opened the first freestanding outpatient cardiac and peripheral vascular cath lab in Jacksonville, and a second one in Palatka in 2016. Both are accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. FCCI notes that doing procedures outside the hospital can reduce out-of-pocket costs and offer a more comfortable, convenient setting.
Getting ready
- You will usually have an ultrasound first.
- Your doctor reviews your medicines and health history.
- The team checks your insurance benefits.
- You get written instructions for the day and after. Follow them closely.
Questions to ask your doctor
- What is causing the blockage in my vein?
- Will you use a balloon, a stent or both?
- What follow-up will I need?
- What symptoms should make me call right away?
This is general information. Your doctor will explain what fits your situation.
When not to wait
Deep vein problems sometimes show up suddenly. A leg that swells, warms up or starts hurting out of nowhere can signal a deep vein clot, so call your doctor that day. If it comes with chest pain, shortness of breath or coughing up blood, call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room. Non-healing leg wounds also need quick care, which FCCI's wound care specialists can help with. FCCI takes calls about urgent and routine concerns from 8am to 5pm.
A whole team under one roof
Deep vein procedures like IVUS, venoplasty and stenting call for specialized hands. FCCI's Vein Clinic is the only vein clinic in Northeast Florida housing a team of board certified endovascular and vascular physicians, backed by colleagues in cardiovascular medicine, sleep medicine, wound care and pulmonology. If testing shows your symptoms come from somewhere else, you get pointed to the right specialist in the same practice. FCCI describes it as a 360-degree approach, from chronic leg pain to cosmetic concerns.
Deep vein problems deserve a careful workup. Call 904.493.3333 on weekdays between 8am and 5pm, or ask for an appointment from our booking page, to talk with a vascular specialist. Sudden swelling with chest pain or trouble breathing is a 911 call.
