How to Fix May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS)?

Dr.Abhishek Bansal, 3 mins read

May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS) is a vascular condition that affects blood flow in the left leg, causing blood clots, swelling, and pain. It happens when the right iliac artery presses on the left iliac vein. 

The right iliac artery sends blood to your right leg, whereas the left iliac vein carries blood from the left leg to the heart. The condition is also known as Cockett syndrome or iliac vein compression syndrome.

However, the good news is that MTS is treatable with a simple, minimally invasive, and day-care procedure. Aakash Healthcare is one of the best hospitals in India for the treatment of May-Thurner Syndrome. 

Symptoms 

MTS can affect blood flow back to the heart, causing blood accumulation and clotting in the leg. This can lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) over time, which causes symptoms. 

Please note that May-Thurner syndrome alone doesn’t cause any visible symptoms. But when it leads to DVT, it can cause noticeable symptoms like:

• Discolouration of skin on leg
• Swollen, enlarged veins in the leg
• Tenderness or throbbing pain in the leg
• Feeling heaviness in the leg

Causes 

May-Thurner Syndrome is caused by the compression of the left iliac vein by the right iliac artery. This compression can lead to a narrowing of the vein, which can cause blood to clot and lead to a range of symptoms. However, experts are not sure why this compression happens. 

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of May-Thurner Syndrome starts with your physical examination. If the doctor suspects MTS, they may recommend a few tests for confirmation:

• CT scan/ CT venography: This test uses X-rays and computer technology to create detailed images of the veins.
• MRI scan/ MRI venography: This test uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the veins.
• Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS): A catheter equipped with an ultrasound probe is inserted into the blood vessels to get detailed images. 
• Venography: This test includes injecting a contrast dye into veins and using X-rays to watch blood flow through them.

Treatment Options

Treatment for May-Thurner Syndrome depends on the severity of the condition and the presence of any blood clots. MTS treatment options include:

• Compression stockings: For mild symptoms, doctors usually suggest wearing compression stockings. Stockings put pressure on lower legs, reducing swelling and improving blood flow.
• Angioplasty/venoplasty and stenting: This minimally invasive procedure involves using a balloon to widen the compressed vein and a stent to keep the vein open.
• Anticoagulation therapy: This treatment involves using medication to prevent blood clots from forming in the vein.
• Thrombolysis: This treatment involves using medication to dissolve any blood clots that have formed in the vein.
• Vena cava filter: This involves placing a filter in the vena cava, a large vein in the belly, to catch the large clots before they enter the lungs. 
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve the compression on the vein. 

At Aakash Healthcare, we use the latest and minimally invasive technology to provide a personalised treatment to patients suffering from May Thurner Syndrome (MTS). We use the latest advancements in INUS technology and intravascular pressure measurement to optimize the treatment.