Ovarian Vein Embolization
Ovarian Vein Embolization (OVE) is an interventional radiology treatment for pelvic congestion syndrome. OVE helps relieve pain by using imaging guidance and a catheter to close off faulty veins so they can no longer enlarge with blood.
The procedure is performed by interventional radiologists — doctors specially trained to do minimally invasive vascular procedures, such as angioplasty and embolization, to treat a variety of conditions.
During OVE, a doctor positions a catheter (thin tube) through a small needle puncture in the leg or arm and into to the targeted blood vessel using X-ray guidance. A dye is injected to create an X-ray map (venogram) of the vein and embolic agents are inserted through the catheter to block the veins supplying the enlarged veins.
Recovery from embolization is much faster than invasive surgery because there is no incision to heal or stitches to be removed. The risk of bleeding and complications is lower than with invasive surgery.
Patients may initially have some cramping and nausea, but this tapers off over the course of several days. Most patients typically return to work and light activities a day or two after the procedure, and report that they feel recovered within seven days.
- Patients who undergo OVE have reported high satisfaction with a 80% success rate in pain reduction.
- Hysterectomy, on the other hand, takes more than 6 weeks of recovery and more than doubles the chance of complications compared to OVE.