Iliocaval Vein Stent Placement

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

• Care notes
• Ambulatory
• Discharge
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AMBULATORY CARE:

What you need to know about iliocaval vein (ICV) stent placement:

ICV stent placement is a procedure to widen blocked veins and improve blood flow. The iliocaval vein is made up of the iliac veins and the inferior vena cava. Iliac veins are located in your pelvis and carry blood from your legs and lower body. The inferior vena cava is a large vein in your abdomen that brings blood from your lower body back to your heart. A stent is a wire mesh tube that helps hold a vein open.

How to prepare for ICV stent placement:

• Your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare. Your provider may tell you not to eat or drink after midnight on the day of your procedure. Arrange to have someone drive you home after you are discharged.
• Tell your provider about all your current medicines. Your provider will tell you if you need to start or stop taking any medicine for the procedure, and when to do so.
• Tell your provider about any allergies you have, including to medicines, anesthesia, stainless steel, nickel, or titanium.
• You may be given an antibiotic to help prevent a bacterial infection. Contrast liquid may be used during your procedure. Tell your provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to antibiotics or contrast liquid.
• You may need blood tests, an x-ray, or an ultrasound before your procedure. Talk to your provider about these or other tests you may need.

What will happen during the procedure:

• You may be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during your procedure. You may instead be given IV sedation to make you feel calm and relaxed during the procedure. You may also be given local anesthesia to numb the area. With local anesthesia, you may still feel pressure or pushing but you should not feel any pain.
• Your healthcare provider will insert a catheter into a blood vessel in your groin, leg, or neck. A guidewire will be placed through the catheter and up into the narrowed or blocked vein. Contrast liquid may be used to help your provider see your veins more clearly on the x-ray. You may feel warm when the contrast liquid is injected. Your provider may use a balloon to help open your vein. A stent will be inserted through the catheter and placed into the blocked vein. The stent will expand to keep your vein open.
• Your provider will remove the catheter and wire. Your provider may close the catheter site with clamps, stitches, or other devices. Pressure will be applied to the catheter site for several minutes to stop any bleeding. A pressure bandage or other pressure device may be placed over the catheter site to help prevent bleeding.

What to expect after the procedure:

• You will be taken to a room to rest. Healthcare providers will monitor your vital signs and pulses in your leg or neck. Your provider will check your pressure bandage for bleeding or swelling.
• You will need to lie flat with your leg straight for 2 to 4 hours. Do not get out of bed until your healthcare provider says it is okay. Movement too soon after your procedure can cause serious bleeding. Your provider will tell you if you need to stay in the hospital overnight. Healthcare providers will continue to monitor your heartbeat, blood pressure, and catheter site.
• You may have back pain after stent placement. Back pain can be severe for 7 to 10 days and should improve in 1 month.

Risks of ICV stent placement:

You may bleed more than expected or develop an infection. You may have bruising or pain where the catheter was inserted. The catheter may damage your blood vessels and cause bleeding. You may need surgery to repair the damage or to stop the bleeding. You may have back pain after the procedure. You may develop a blood clot in your legs, lungs, or around your stent. Your stent may break, move, or get blocked. You may need another procedure to fix these problems with your stent. The contrast liquid may cause kidney damage or an allergic reaction.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US), or have someone call if:

• You feel lightheaded, short of breath, and have chest pain.
• You cough up blood.
• You have trouble breathing.
• You cannot stop the bleeding from your catheter site even after you hold firm pressure for 10 minutes.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Seek care immediately if:

• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
• Your catheter site is red, swollen, or draining pus.
• Blood soaks through your bandage.
• Your stitches come apart.
• Your leg feels numb, cool, or looks pale.
• Your catheter site gets swollen quickly.

Call your doctor if:

• You have a fever or chills.
• Your catheter site looks more bruised or you have new bruising on the side of your leg or neck.
• You have nausea or are vomiting.
• You have back pain that does not get better with rest and pain medicine.
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or you have a rash.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

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.
• Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
• NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.

Self-care:

• Apply firm, steady pressure if bleeding occurs. You may notice a small amount of bleeding from your catheter site. Apply pressure with a clean gauze or towel for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Care for the catheter site as directed. Most bandages can be removed the day after your procedure. Gently clean the catheter site with soap and water. Do not rub the site. Do not take a bath, swim, or get in a hot tub until your healthcare provider says these are okay. Keep the area clean and dry. Gently pat dry the area and put on new, clean bandages if directed to. Wear loose-fitting clothing over the area. Check the area for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus.
• Limit activity as directed. Activity limits help reduce pressure on your catheter site and prevent bleeding. Intense activity may cause bleeding. Do not lift, pull, or push heavy objects until your provider says it is okay. Limit stair climbing for 1 week. Avoid intense exercise for 2 to 4 weeks or as directed. Slowly start to do more each day. Your provider will tell you when you can drive, go back to work, or do other activities.
• Manage back pain. Walk as often as possible to improve back pain. Frequent walks will help resolve back pain quicker.
• Drink extra liquids. Liquids will help to flush the contrast liquid from your body and prevent blood clots. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. Do not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours after your procedure.
• Restart your medicines as directed. Your provider will tell you when to start taking your blood thinners or antiplatelet medicines after your procedure.
• Keep your veins healthy. Ask your provider about a healthy eating plan, exercise plan, or weight loss plan, if needed.
• Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can increase your risk for blood vessel damage and delay healing. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.

Stent safety:

• Carry your stent card with you at all times.
• Let all healthcare providers know that you have a stent.
• If you need an MRI, wait at least 6 to 8 weeks after stent placement, or as directed.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

You may need more tests to check your stent. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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