A venogram is a specialized test performed under X-ray that shows the blood flow through the veins, particularly in the pelvis and legs. These veins are responsible for returning deoxygenated blood back to the heart. During the procedure, your doctor makes a small incision, typically in the groin (femoral vein) or neck (jugular vein), and advances a long, thin tube called a catheter into the vein. A special fluid called contrast media or contrast dye is then injected through the catheter into your vein’s bloodstream.

The contrast dye allows the X-ray to capture real-time moving images (fluoroscopy) of the blood flow through the veins. These images help your doctor identify the precise location of any narrowing, blockage, or abnormality in the venous system that may be causing symptoms such as swelling, pain, or heaviness in the legs. Based on the results of the angiogram, your doctor can determine whether venous stenting is necessary to relieve symptoms and prevent future complications from poor venous circulation.

Venous stenting is a minimally invasive procedure used to restore healthy blood flow when a vein is narrowed or blocked, often due to conditions like chronic deep vein thrombosis (DVT), post-thrombotic syndrome, or May-Thurner syndrome. During the procedure, your doctor advances a catheter into the affected vein, then guides a wire through the narrowed or blocked area.

Specialized equipment, such as balloons or stents, is passed along the wire to treat the area of concern. A small balloon may first be used to gently widen the narrowed vein. Then, if needed, a stent (a small metal mesh tube) is inserted to keep the vein open and ensure long-term blood flow. The balloon is deflated and removed, while the stent remains in place permanently.

The doctor uses the live X-ray images captured during the venous angiogram to guide the stent precisely to the area of narrowing or blockage.