Optimal sizing of iliac vein stents and method of using

Abstract

Whether a vein has a stenosis may be determined using duplex ultrasound (DUS). A method of diagnosing stenosis includes: identifying a patient exhibiting at least one of a group of symptoms in at least one limb consisting of: pain, discomfort, swelling and venous stasis skin changes including ulceration; using duplex ultrasound to measure a cross-sectional area of a vein; and, if the cross-sectional area is less than or equal to 50% of a predetermined anatomical minimum for the vein, diagnosing the vein as stenotic. A device for diagnosing stenosis may include: a duplex ultrasound; a display; and a processor configured to show on the display a cross-sectional area measurement of a vein. Stenosis may be treated by inserting a stent in the vein. The predetermined anatomical minimum for the vein is a predetermined calculated valve based on physical principles. It is not a measured value from the patient, or any patient, or a population of patients.

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