Chronic venous occlusion occurs when a vein has been blocked for a long period of time—often months or years—most commonly after a prior deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Over time, the vein can become scarred and narrowed, leading to poor blood flow and ongoing symptoms.
Patients may experience chronic leg swelling, pain, heaviness, skin discoloration, varicose veins, or in severe cases, non-healing ulcers. These symptoms can significantly affect mobility, comfort, and quality of life.
Chronic venous recanalization is a minimally invasive procedure designed to reopen these long-standing blockages and restore more normal venous blood flow.
Chronic venous occlusion occurs when a vein has been blocked for a long period of time—often months or years—most commonly after a prior deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Over time, the vein can become scarred and narrowed, leading to poor blood flow and ongoing symptoms.
Patients may experience chronic leg swelling, pain, heaviness, skin discoloration, varicose veins, or in severe cases, non-healing ulcers. These symptoms can significantly affect mobility, comfort, and quality of life.
Chronic venous recanalization is a minimally invasive procedure designed to reopen these long-standing blockages and restore more normal venous blood flow.
Specialized Venous Care at SAVI
At SAVI, chronic venous disease is managed by subspecialty-trained interventional radiologists with advanced expertise in complex venous reconstruction. We work closely with your referring physician to determine whether recanalization is appropriate and to design a treatment plan tailored to your anatomy and symptoms.
When Is Chronic Venous Recanalization Considered?
Chronic venous recanalization may be recommended when:
Not all chronic venous blockages require intervention. Careful evaluation and imaging are essential to identify patients most likely to benefit.
Procedures are typically performed with light sedation or anesthesia. Hospital stays are usually short, and many patients go home the same day or the next day. Over time, patients often experience:
Follow-up includes imaging and clinical assessment to ensure the vein remains open and symptoms continue to improve.
A Long-Term, Vein-First Approach
At SAVI, our focus is not just reopening the vein—but durable, long-term improvement. We emphasize careful patient selection, meticulous technique, and structured follow-up to protect vein health and prevent recurrence.
Minimally Invasive Treatment Options
Chronic venous recanalization is performed through a small puncture, usually in the leg or neck. Techniques may include:
These procedures avoid open surgery and are designed to relieve venous pressure and improve circulation.
Missing info?
A successful DVT management strategy involves collaboration between primary care physicians, hematologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional radiologists (IR).
Mayfair’s interventional radiologists perform general IR procedures at Rockyview General Hospital and interventional vascular procedures at the Peter Lougheed Centre in Calgary.
