R ecent advances in imaging and stent technology are changing the management of chronic venous outfl ow obstruction (CVOO), an important cause of chronic venous disease (CVD). Evidence increasingly supports endovascular intervention as a potentially effective and safe treatment option.This article reviews the key factors to consider in management of CVOO and advises on how best to get patients the care they need.
■ CHALLENGES: QUALITY OF LIFE, TREATMENT OPTIONSCVOO negatively affects quality of life and mental health. The presentation of CVOO can be similar to that of superfi cial venous incompetence, but proximal edema tends to be more signifi cant in CVOO. Common manifestations include leg-swelling and pain, limited mobility, chronic ulceration, and venous claudication. Neglen 1 and Raju 2 estimated that such lesions occurred in up to 55% of patients with signifi cant CVD, especially in those with postthrombotic syndrome (PTS). Recent reports suggest that CVOO may also contribute to chronic pelvic pain, including pelvic congestion syndrome, 3 although this observation remains controversial and requires further study.Consequently, patients are subjected to long-term pain and discomfort, the need for chronic leg ulcer management, and reduced physical activity. 4 Healthcare systems therefore allocate signifi cant resources for the treatment of CVOO and related CVD. 5 Although endovenous and open surgical REVIEW