What is venous outflow obstruction?

Blood leaves the legs through the femoral and iliac veins. Some individuals are born with iliac vein compression, which makes it harder for blood to flow out. This can result in venous insufficiency, leg discomfort, swelling and possibly deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Sometimes a DVT can result in inflammation and scar tissue in the femoral and iliac veins that can lead to venous outflow obstruction (see “post-thrombotic syndrome”). Low risk treatment options exist such as minimally invasive iliac vein stenting that can relieve the obstruction, improving symptoms.