Iliac Vein Compression Syndrome

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

• Care notes
• Aftercare
• Ambulatory
• Discharge
• Español

AMBULATORY CARE:

Iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS)

is a condition that affects the blood flow in a vein near your pelvis. The vein gets compressed by another structure in your body such as an artery or vertebrae. This closes the vein and prevents blood from draining from your leg and returning to your heart. IVCS is also known as May-Thurner syndrome.

Common signs and symptoms:

Symptoms may only develop if the drainage is poor for a long time or you get a blood clot. Symptoms usually only affect one leg but can affect both legs and the pelvis:

• Pain, tenderness, or swelling
• Skin color changes or open sores
• Large, twisted, and swollen veins (varicose veins)
• Heaviness, tiredness, or cramping
• Pelvic pain after sitting or standing for long periods

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You have any of the following signs of a stroke:
  • Numbness or drooping on one side of your face
  • Weakness in an arm or leg
  • Confusion or difficulty speaking
  • Dizziness, a severe headache, or vision loss
• You feel lightheaded, short of breath, and have chest pain.
• You cough up blood.
• You have trouble breathing.

Seek care immediately if:

• Your leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
• You have pain in your leg that does not go away or gets worse.
• Your leg is swollen and hard.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Call your doctor if:

• You have painful varicose veins.
• You have new or worsening leg pain, swelling, or redness.
• You have new or worsening ulcers or other sores on your leg.
• Your symptoms keep you from doing your daily activities.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Treatment

depends on your symptoms and if you have a blood clot. You may need any of the following:

• Blood thinners help prevent blood clots. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. Many types of blood thinners are available. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions for the type you are given. The following are general safety guidelines to follow while you are taking a blood thinner:
  • Watch for bleeding and bruising. Watch for bleeding from your gums or nose. Watch for blood in your urine and bowel movements. Use a soft washcloth on your skin, and a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth. This can keep your skin and gums from bleeding. If you shave, use an electric shaver. Do not play contact sports.
  • Tell your dentist and other healthcare providers that you take a blood thinner. Wear a bracelet or necklace that says you take this medicine.
  • Do not start or stop any other medicines or supplements unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Many medicines and supplements cannot be used with blood thinners.
  • Take your blood thinner exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not skip a dose or take less than prescribed. Tell your provider right away if you forget to take your blood thinner, or if you take too much.
• Angioplasty is a procedure to open your vein so blood can flow through properly. A catheter (thin tube) is used to insert a balloon into the vein. The balloon is inflated to open the vein and is then removed. A stent (small metal mesh tube) may be placed to help keep the vein open.
• Thrombolysis is a procedure to break up a clot. Medicine is injected into the vein to help break the clot apart.
• Thrombectomy is surgery to remove a clot.

Manage your symptoms:

• Wear a compression device as directed. Examples include pressure stockings, intermittent pneumatic compression, and sequential compression devices. A compression device puts pressure on your lower legs to help keep blood from pooling in your leg veins. Your healthcare provider can prescribe the right device for you. Do not buy over-the-counter devices unless your provider says it is okay. They may not fit correctly or may have elastic that cuts off your circulation. Ask your provider when to start wearing a compression device and how long to wear it.
• Elevate your legs above the level of your heart. Elevate your legs when you sit or lie down, as often as you can. This will help decrease swelling and pain. Prop your legs on pillows or blankets to keep them elevated comfortably.
• Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause blood vessel damage. Ask your provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer