Women & Men's Health Kansas City

The pelvis contains a network of veins that carry blood back to the heart. In some cases, the valves in these veins may become weak or damaged, causing blood to flow backward and accumulate in the Pelvic veins. The resulting congestion and enlargement of these veins can lead to pain, pressure, and a sensation of fullness in the pelvic area.

Risk factors for developing Pelvic Venous Insuffiency (PVI) include:

• Multiple pregnancies
• Hormonal imbalances
• History of blood clots
• Conditions that increase pressure in the abdomen, such as obesity or tumors

Symptoms of PVI can vary but often present as:

• Pain that worsens with prolonged standing or sitting
• Pain during or after sexual intercourse
• Aching or heaviness in the Pelvic area
• Back pain
• Varicose veins in the vulva or buttocks
• Abdominal bloating

Conservative measures to treat Pelvic Venous Insuffiency (PVI) symptoms include compression socks, regular exercise, the minimization of prolonged standing or sitting, pain medication, or hormone therapy.

When these prescribed methods of procedure are unsuccessful, Clarity Care offers minimally invasive embolization to combat PVI. During this safe and effective procedure, patients are placed under local anesthesia or conscious sedation. A small incision is made in the groin area and a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) is threaded into the femoral vein. Using X-Ray guidance, the catheter is navigated through the vein toward the affected pelvic veins.

Once the catheter reaches the pelvic veins, contrast dye is injected to visualize the blood flow and identify areas of congestion. Small coils or embolic agents (tiny particles or foam) are injected into the affected veins to block blood flow. The veins then collapse and redirect blood flow to healthier veins.

When this one- to two-hour procedure is complete, the catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the incision site to prevent bleeding. Patients may be required to lie flat for several hours to ensure the puncture site heals properly. Recovery time is minimal, with most patients resuming regular activities within a few days.

Those experiencing symptoms related to Pelvic Venous Insuffiency (PVI) may undergo a thorough evaluation to receive a definitive diagnosis. This evaluation will likely include a physical examination, medical history review, imaging tests, and potential venography (which involves injecting dye into the pelvic veins to visualize blood flow).

The vascular specialists at Clarity Care can guide your decision to undergo PVI embolization with consideration to your overall health, potential risks, benefits, and alternatives.

Pelvic Venous Insuffiency (PVI) embolization is a highly effective method of procedure, alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life for most patients. Success rates for symptom reduction range from 70 to 90 percent of patients, with the vast majority experiencing a significant reduction in pelvic pain and discomfort.

Like any medical procedure, there are some risks associated with Pelvic Venous Insuffiency (PVI) embolization. While generally safe, possible risks may include allergic reaction, infection, vascular injury, or pulmonary embolism.

Built to withstand the high pressures associated with power injection, powerline central venous catheters enable rapid and efficient delivery of substances directly into the central venous system. Commonly used in critical care settings, operating rooms, or interventional radiology suites, these powerful catheters can:

• rapidly administer medication,
• be used long-term (weeks or months) for durable and reliable access,
• provide fluid resuscitation,
• offer temporary hemodialysis for patients with acute kidney failure,
• provide intravenous nutrition,
• deliver contrast agents,
• obtain blood samples,
• and monitor central venous pressure

Powerline central venous catheters consist of a long, thin tube made of biocompatible materials such as polyurethane or silicone. The distal end of the powerline catheter is inserted into a large vein (usually the subclavian or jugular) and guided to the superior vena cava or right atrium. From there, the proximal end of the catheter is attached to an external hub, which allows for connection to infusion or injection devices.

Powerline central venous catheters feature a power injection port specially designed to withstand the high pressures generated by power injectors commonly used in procedures such as computed tomography (CT) scans or angiography. These ports also have a low flow rate, allowing for rapid infusion of fluids or contrast agents.

Using multiple channels, the powerline central venous catheter allows for the simultaneous administration of different medications or fluids. For example, one catheter may have multiple channels for fluids, medication infusions, and blood sampling.

Determining whether you are a candidate for a powerline venous catheter requires a comprehensive evaluation by your healthcare provider. They will consider several factors to determine if this is the best course of procedure for your specific condition. Factors that may be taken into consideration include your medical condition, overall health, vein accessibility, potential complications, and overall benefits.

Powerline central venous catheters provide myriad valuable benefits, but like any medical device, present potential risks, including:

• infection at insertion site or more serious bloodstream infections,
• increased risk of thrombosis (blood clots),
• catheter malposition, impeding blood flow or damaging blood vessel,
• catheter occlusion, in which the catheter is blocked, prevents delivery of medication or fluid, and may require additional interventions,
• and pneumothorax, unintentional puncture of the lung during catheter insertion.

It is important to discuss these potential risks with your healthcare provider. They can provide you with specific information based on your individual circumstances and address your concerns.

Powerline central venous catheters are durable and reliable tools for safely and effectively delivering medications, fluids, and extracting blood samples (as well as a multitude of additional capabilities). At Clarity Care, our specialized physicians are highly trained in the proper placement of these catheters, as well as the proper maintenance and care techniques for their optimal performance, to ensure each patient receives the best care and results possible.

During a varicocele embolization, an interventional radiologist inserts a catheter into a vein and guides it to the affected veins in the scrotum. Using X-Ray guidance, the doctor injects tiny coils or a special solution into the varicocele veins, causing them to clot or close off. This redirects blood flow to healthier veins, relieving symptoms and improving fertility.

Compared to traditional surgical procedures, the minimally invasive varicocele embolization offers several advantages, including smaller incisions, less pain, shorter recovery time, and reduced risk of complications. Additionally, embolization targets the affected areas and spares the surrounding structures and tissues, minimizing the risk of damage to the testicles or surrounding blood vessels.

To determine if varicocele embolization is appropriate for you, you and your healthcare provider will consider factors such as the severity of your symptoms, the size of your varicocele, your fertility goals, and any underlying medical conditions you may have. Additionally, you will need to undergo a physical examination and imaging tests to assess the extent of the varicocele.

At Clarity Care, we specialize in treating varicoceles and can assess your situation, discuss potential procedures options, and determine the most appropriate course of action for you.

Varicocele embolization is generally considered a safe procedure, but it does present potential risks, such as infection at the insertion site, bleeding or hematoma, allergic reaction, reoccurrence (although uncommon, may require further procedure), damage to surrounding structures, and pain or discomfort.

At Clarity Care, our skilled team of physicians is committed to providing you with the best results. Varicocele embolization is a highly effective procedure used to improve symptoms and fertility outcomes with a 75 to 95 percent success rate. Many patients experience a reduction in scrotal swelling and an improved quality of life post procedure. While individual results may vary, studies have also shown that varicocele embolization has a positive impact on sperm parameters, including increased sperm count, motility, and morphology.

The physicians at Clarity Care can discuss your health and specific goals to determine is varicocele embolization is the right procedure for you.