All About My Veins

Instead of doing a cut and paste job I decided to just summarize the important points of the report about my procedure. Here goes:

Right Internal Jugular Vein (IJV) demonstrated good flow and no collateral vessels. The region of the valves appeared to be quite normal. Therefore no interventions were performed in the right IJV.

Venography showed that the diameter of left IJV was narrower than on the right however no focal stenosis was seen. The IVUS (Intravenus Ultrasound) was placed within this vessel and it showed a septum dividng the lumen into two components. Each measured approx 50% of the diameter of the vein peripherally but as viewed more centrally this septum gradually funneled down. The region of the valve did not appear to be thickened or abnormal.

Because of the significant stenotic region, balloon angioplasty was performed. Multiple dilatations were performed up to 32 atmospheres with stretch but not disruption of the stenosis.

IVUS catheter was placed within the azygous vein and showed a narrowing with approx 75% stenosis. Balloon angioplasty was performed (10 atmospheres) with obliteration of the waist (i.e. problem).

To sum it up I had successful angioplasty on my azygous, partially successful angioplasty on the left IJV and no need for concern regarding the right IJV.

I feel hopeful that sometime in the future there may be a way to disrupt the septum in my left IJV and let the blood flow freely in that vein. Right now that doesn't seem to be happening but I'm staying upbeat about the future.

Procedure Report

The report about my procedure arrived today---four weeks to the day since Dr. Sclafani took a look inside some of my veins. Besides being relieved to finally see the document I was glad to read through the details of what the doctor saw. Some of it sounded like Greek to me but I managed to piece things together for the most part.

I'll try to attach it or download it to this blog but if all else fails, I'll cut and paste it into a new post later.