🔹 What is post-thrombotic syndrome?
Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) occurs after deep vein thrombosis when residual obstruction causes chronic venous hypertension. Symptoms include chronic edema, pain, skin discoloration, pruritus, and venous ulcers. When the obstruction is located in the iliac or femoral veins, recanalization can restore venous drainage.
⚡ At a glance — key figures
Venous recanalisation reopens a blocked or narrowed deep vein (iliac or vena caval) using balloons and stents delivered through a small puncture, restoring normal venous drainage from the leg or pelvis.
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Indications | Post-thrombotic syndrome, iliac vein compression (May-Thurner syndrome) |
| Expected benefit | Reduced swelling and heaviness, improved walking distance, faster ulcer healing |
| Follow-up treatment | Anticoagulation is generally required after stenting |
| Cost | Yes. At Cochin AP-HP (a French public hospital), this procedure is covered by national health insurance with no out-of-pocket fees. Contact ri.cch@aphp.fr or +33 1 58 41 46 12. |
Data validated by the team of Prof. Anthony Dohan, Department of Interventional Radiology, Cochin Hospital AP-HP.
🔹 Procedure
Venous recanalization involves opening the obstructed vein with a balloon (angioplasty) and placing one or more venous stents (Nitinol self-expanding) to keep it open permanently, restoring normal venous outflow.
🔹 Eligibility
Obstructive PTS with significant clinical impairment (Villalta score, CIVIQ questionnaire). Obstruction confirmed at iliofemoral or inferior vena cava level by phleboCT, Doppler, or venous MRI. Discussion at multidisciplinary meeting.
🔹 Results
Technical success >90%. Clinical improvement in approximately 99% of cases. Over 70% of patients become completely asymptomatic. Anticoagulation required for at least 6 months post-procedure.
🔹 Follow-up
Doppler ultrasound the day after, then at 1, 3, and 6 months. CT scan at 1 year. Outpatient visit at 6 months and 1 year.
📄 Patient information sheet
Patient information — Venous Recanalization — Angioplasty and Venous Stenting
Download before your consultation or procedure.
📄 Patient Information Sheet
✅ Covered by French Social Security (Sécurité Sociale) · No extra fees · Cochin Hospital AP-HP
🔗 Related pages
❓ Frequently asked questions
✓ Why this page is trustworthy
Written by the Interventional Radiology team at Cochin Hospital AP-HP, Université Paris Cité. Medically reviewed by an interventional radiologist of the department. Last updated: August 2026.