Central Venous Obstruction

Central venous obstruction is narrowing or blockage of a major vein in the chest. It may be caused by previous catheters, dialysis access, pacemaker leads, blood clots or pressure from a tumour.

Symptoms

Swelling of the face, neck or arms, visible veins over the chest, discomfort or problems with dialysis access. Symptoms depend on the location and severity of the blockage.

How interventional radiology treats it

Venography helps locate the obstruction. Venoplasty uses a balloon to widen the vein, and a stent may be inserted to keep it open. Treatment aims to improve blood flow and relieve symptoms. Follow-up is important because the vein can narrow again.

Whether this treatment suits you depends on your scans and overall health. A consultation is the first step.