Venous Disease

What is Venous Disease?

Venous disease occurs when the veins are unable to efficiently return blood to the heart, often resulting in swelling, discomfort, or blood clots. Left untreated, these conditions can cause significant health risks — including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), chronic venous insufficiency, or pulmonary embolism.

At Clarity Care in Kansas City, our expert interventional radiologists specialize in diagnosing and treating complex venous disorders using advanced, minimally invasive techniques that improve circulation, relieve symptoms, and help patients return to a more active, comfortable life.

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May-Thurner Syndrome | Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filters | Powerline Central Venous Catheter

Venous Disease

May-Thurner Syndrome

May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS), also known as iliac vein compression syndrome, is a vascular condition characterized by compression or the narrowing of the left common iliac vein, a major blood vessel located in the pelvis. The primary function of this vein is to return blood from the lower limbs and pelvis back to the heart. When compressed, it can lead to reduced blood flow, venous stasis, and the formation of blood clots.

At Clarity Care, our interventional radiologists diagnose and treat May-Thurner Syndrome using minimally invasive imaging and procedures. If compression is confirmed, we can perform angioplasty and stent placement to open the narrowed vein and restore normal circulation.

Symptoms of May-Thurner Syndrome:

  • Chronic swelling or pain in one leg (usually the left)
  • Skin discoloration or varicose veins in the leg
  • Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
  • Heaviness or fatigue in the affected limb

Treatment Benefits:

  • Restores proper blood flow
  • Reduces leg swelling and discomfort
  • Prevents recurrence of blood clots
  • Offers long-term relief without open surgery

May-Thurner Syndrome FAQ

If you are experiencing mild to severe symptoms associated with May-Thurner syndrome, you may be a candidate for a procedure at Clarity Care. Common symptoms include:

  • Leg pain, a hallmark symptom of May-Thurner syndrome, is described as a dull, aching sensation in the affected leg that may be exacerbated by physical activity or prolonged standing.
  • Swelling can occur in the affected leg due to reduced blood flow and venous congestion.
  • Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that are visible beneath the skin and may appear blue or purple.
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or blood clots deep in the veins of the legs, can sometimes develop due to May-Thurner syndrome.

To learn more, schedule a consultation with one of Clarity Care’s skilled interventional radiologists to evaluate your specific condition, review your medical history, and discuss options for the procedure.

Procedure for May-Thurner syndrome can be effective in relieving symptoms and improving blood flow. The specific procedure approach will depend on the severity of the condition and individual patient factors. The effectiveness of procedure can vary depending on the severity of condition, the presence of blood clots, and individual patient characteristics.

Schedule a consultation with the skilled vascular specialists at Clarity Care to discuss your individual needs and the creation of a course of procedure.

Like any medical therapy, procedure of May-Thurner syndrome carries some risks. These risks are considered low compared to the potential risks of leaving the condition treated, however.

Potential risks associated with procedure:

  • Complications from anticoagulation medications include bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, and more serious bleeding complications.
  • Endovascular procedures such as angioplasty and stenting can sometimes lead to infection, allergic reaction to contrast dye, and blood vessel blockage due to the formation of clots.
  • Surgical bypass is more invasive and carries risks associated with any surgical intervention, including infection, bleeding, or adverse reactions to anesthesia.

It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of procedure with the highly trained healthcare providers at Clarity Care who specialize in vascular conditions. They can help you weigh the risks against the benefits and determine the most appropriate procedure approach for your individual needs.

You can learn about Clarity Care’s financing options here.

Schedule your consultation today »

Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filters

Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters are small, cage-like devices placed in the inferior vena cava, the large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower body to the heart. These filters are designed to catch blood clots that may form in the legs or pelvis and prevent them from traveling to the lungs, thereby reducing the risk of pulmonary embolism.

Advantages of IVC Filter Placement:

  • Prevents life-threatening pulmonary embolisms
  • Quick, outpatient procedure with local anesthesia
  • Often removable once clot risk decreases
  • Safe for patients unable to take anticoagulants

IVC Filter FAQ

Individuals diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), those who have experienced pulmonary embolism, and those who are at high risk of developing blood clots but cannot tolerate or have failed anticoagulant (blood thinner) therapy, are likely candidates for interior vena cava (IVC) filters.

To learn more, schedule a consultation with one of Clarity Care’s skilled interventional radiologists or vascular surgeons to evaluate your specific condition, review your medical history, and discuss options for procedure.

Studies have shown that interior vena cava (IVC) filters are a successful means of preventing pulmonary embolism (PE) in high-risk patients, particularly those who cannot tolerate or have failed anticoagulant (blood thinner) therapy. Particularly beneficial in preventing PE in patients with acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT), IVC filters are a valuable procedure tool in the skilled hands of the vascular specialists at Clarity Care. Removal of the IVC filters is also recommended in most patients once the risk for PE has resolved.

As with any medical intervention, interior vena cava (IVC) filters are associated with potential risks and certain complications. These risks include:

  • Filter migration, which occurs when the IVC filter shifts from its original placement location and moves to other areas of the body. This complication is also rare but can cause serious complications and requires additional procedures to retrieve or reposition the filter.
  • A filter break or fracture, which is also rare but can lead to the release of filter components into the bloodstream, which can migrate to other organs or blood vessels, causing damage.
  • Known as filter thrombosis, blood clots can form within the filter itself, increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or other complications.
  • Vessel perforation or injury can occur during the insertion of an IVC filter, which can cause bleeding and damage to nearby structures.
  • Infection at the incision site and allergic reaction to the materials in the IVC filters are also possibilities.

As always, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of procedure with the highly trained healthcare providers at Clarity Care who specialize in vascular conditions. They can help you weigh the risks against the benefits and determine the most appropriate procedure approach for your individual needs.

You can learn about Clarity Care’s financing options here.

Our team at Clarity Care also provides IVC filter retrieval for patients whose filters are no longer needed — using precise, image-guided techniques to ensure a safe and successful removal.

Schedule your consultation today »

Powerline Central Venous Catheter

A Powerline Central Venous Catheter is a thin, flexible tube placed into a large vein — typically in the upper arm or chest — to provide long-term access for medications, nutrition, or blood draws.

Unlike standard IVs, a Powerline catheter can remain in place for weeks or months, making it ideal for patients undergoing chemotherapy, long-term antibiotics, or other extended treatments.

Benefits of Powerline Catheter Placement:

  • Provides reliable, long-term venous access
  • Reduces the need for repeated needle sticks
  • Enables safe delivery of medications and fluids
  • Can be used for lab draws and contrast imaging
  • Quick outpatient procedure with minimal discomfort

At Clarity Care, all central line placements are performed by board-certified interventional radiologists using real-time image guidance — ensuring precision, safety, and patient comfort from start to finish.

Why choose Clarity Care for Venous Disease Treatment

At Clarity Care, we believe in empowering patients with knowledge and offering treatment options that fit their unique needs. Our team combines clinical expertise, advanced imaging, and a compassionate, patient-centered approach to deliver the highest standard of vascular care in Kansas City.

We are your trusted partner in health, guiding you through every step — from consultation and diagnosis to treatment and follow-up. Our minimally invasive procedures offer:

  • Less risk, less pain, and faster recovery than surgery
  • Lower cost and shorter downtime
  • Personalized care tailored to your specific diagnosis

When it comes to your vascular health, you deserve clarity, confidence, and compassionate care.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re experiencing leg swelling, pain, or other signs of venous disease, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Clarity Care in Kansas City today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our minimally invasive treatments for venous disease, including IVC filters, venograms, Powerline catheter placement, and May-Thurner Syndrome treatment.

Discover how we can help you restore healthy circulation — and get back to living your life fully.

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