Complex Venous Reconstruction

Rex Vascular Specialists is one of the very few places in the United States offering complex venous reconstruction. Before this procedure, use of blood thinning medications like coumadin was the standard treatment for blood clots in the legs.
 
Medications slowly dissolve the clot but never entirely get rid of it. In addition, you may get swelling, pain, or aching sensations in your legs, and eventually may develop sores.
 
Surgeries go to the clot, physically remove it, and clean up any extra debris.

What to Expect 

For clots above the groin:

• A small incision is made.
• A catheter is threaded into the vein.
• When it reaches the clot, a stent is inserted to open the vein and keep it open. 

For blockages at or below the groin:

• An incision is made near the clot.
• The blood vessel is exposed.
  The physician will then open up the vessel.
• All of the clot and disease is actually taken out.
• A small piece of artery is then attached to route blood flow across the stents that are placed higher up. 

Before the procedure

• Visit your doctor to make sure any medical problems are being treated and controlled.
• You may be asked to stop taking drugs that make it harder for your blood to clot.
• Ask your doctor which medicines you should take on the day of your surgery.
• Let your doctor know about any cold, flu, fever, or other illness you may have before your surgery.
• The day of your surgery, do not drink anything, including water, after midnight.
• Take the drugs your doctor told you to take with a small sip of water. 

After the procedure

• Most people will go home the same day or early the next day.
• As soon as you are able after surgery, you will start to walk short distances on a flat surface. This helps avoid blood clots in the legs and lessens the chance of getting pneumonia.

After you leave the hospital

• You will be able to resume normal activity within 2 to 3 days if you have a stent placed. If there is an incision, it will be closer to two weeks.
• Do not work, drive, or play for the number of days your doctor tells you to wait.
• Ask your doctor about a follow-up appointment you will need to have to follow your recovery's progress.
• Your doctor may ask you to take aspirin or another blood thinner. They keep your blood from forming clots in your arteries or stent. Do not stop taking them without talking with your doctor first.