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We Offer Contrast Venography Procedures
CVD Vein Clinic provides contrast venography for patients throughout Fall River, MA with vein-related conditions. In addition to venography, we also offer sclerotherapy, laser vein removal, vein ablation, and radiofrequency ablation. If you need to undergo a contrast venography procedure, reach out today.
What is Venography?
Venography is a diagnostic medical procedure that takes an x-ray of the veins – referred to as a venogram – after injection of a radiopaque fluid. This procedure allows for the examination of blood flow through the veins. It may also be used to locate blood clots, identify a vein for use in a bypass procedure or dialysis access, or assess varicose veins before surgery.
What is a Venogram?
A venogram is a type of x-ray that is used to diagnose deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or other abnormalities of the veins. During a venogram, contrast material is injected into a vein to show how blood flows through that vein. This can help the practicing physician diagnose and treat various medical and vein-related conditions. A venogram exposes patients to a small dose of ionizing radiation.
Who Needs Venography?
If you’re experiencing swelling or pain in one or both legs, your physician may recommend venography to determine the cause. Your physician may also recommend venography if you exhibit signs or symptoms of DVT, a congenital vein problem, or a blood clot. Venography can help:
- Assess the status of a vein or system of veins
- Locate blood clots within the veins
- Assess varicose veins before surgery
- Locate a vein to use for bypass surgery
- Help a physician place an IV or a medical device
- Guide treatment of diseased veins
How to Prepare for Venography
Venography, or a venogram procedure, can provide a wide range of benefits to patients who undergo it. Before your procedure, it’s essential to ask any questions and address any concerns you may have. It’s also essential to relay any allergies to contrast dye or iodine to your physician, as well as any allergies or sensitivities to medications, latex, tape, or anesthetic medicines. You should also inform your physician if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, have a bleeding disorder, or are taking any blood-thinning medications. A list of the medicines you are presently taking should also be provided. You will be asked not to eat or drink anything in the four hours leading up to the procedure. You will also need someone to drive you home afterward if your physician provides you with medication to help you relax for the test.
Possible Risks & Common Side Effects of Venography
Venogram side effects can include an allergic reaction to the injection of contrast material and, in rare cases, a deep vein thrombosis, also known as a blood clot. There is always a small risk of cancer with excessive exposure to radiation. Still, with venography, the amount of radiation used is so small that the procedure’s benefit far outweighs this risk. With any kind of contrast injection, there is also a risk of injury to the kidneys, so patients with impaired kidney function should be given special consideration. Additionally, any procedure that involves the placement of a catheter inside a blood vessel carries its own risks. These risks can include damage to the blood vessel, bruising or bleeding at the injection site, and infection. Your physician will take precautions to lessen the likelihood of these risks.
Venography Recovery
After the venography procedure, your medical team will observe your vitals, including heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The team will monitor the injection site for redness, warmth, swelling, and tenderness. They will also check your temperature, color, pulses in your feet, and the sensation in your legs. Patients are permitted to return to their daily activities immediately after the procedure. They are also instructed to drink plenty of fluids. This will help prevent dehydration, and it will also speed up the process of the contrast dye leaving the body. If you experience a fever, bleeding, or another drainage from the injection site, or pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, it is important to contact your healthcare provider and relay what you are experiencing.
Contact Us Today for Venography
As your one-stop shop for leg-related medical and cosmetic issues, you can trust the professional team at CVD Vein Clinic to provide you with premier procedures and state-of-the-art treatment. Regardless of what type of vein condition you are suffering from, we can help. With nearly a decade of experience serving patients of Fall River, MA, and the surrounding areas, you can count on our expert team. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our vascular specialists.