Iliocaval Vein Stent Placement

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

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Iliocaval vein (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.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

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.

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.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

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.
• Antiplatelets , such as aspirin, help prevent blood clots. Take your antiplatelet medicine exactly as directed. These medicines make it more likely for you to bleed or bruise. If you are told to take aspirin, do not take acetaminophen or ibuprofen instead.
• 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.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

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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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.

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