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Treatments we provide

Venous Sinus Stenting

Venous sinus stenting involves placing stents into large intracranial veins to keep them open to blood flow. If the venous sinuses are narrowed, a stent can be placed in the vein to open up the narrowing and relieve pressure. It is an option for patients who do not respond to or tolerate medical therapy.

Am I a candidate for venous sinus stenting?

Venous sinus stenting may be considered when there are definite signs and symptoms of intracranial hypertension and there is evidence of elevated venous pressures. The strongest indication for venous sinus stenting is if there are elevated venous pressures and visual compromise.

Procedure

A small catheter inserted through an incision in the groin or neck is manoeuvred using imaging guidance into the venous sinus in the head. Once the catheter is in position, contrast dye is injected, and the pressure in the veins is measured to ensure it is suitable for stenting. If the narrowing is severe enough to warrant stenting, a stent is inserted through the catheter and remains there permanently.

Risks

Venous sinus stenting carries a small risk of intracranial haemorrhage.

Where will the procedure be performed?

Venous sinus stenting will be performed in hospital. Dr Ryan McConnell has private hospital appointments at Nepean Private Hospital, Northern Beaches Hospital and Macquarie University Hospital. He also has public hospital appointments at Nepean Hospital and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

How do I prepare for my venous sinus stenting procedure?

You will need to fast for 6 hours prior to your procedure. Take your regular medications as normal with a sip of water. You will be required to take some blood thinning medications prior to your procedure. This will be discussed during your initial consultation.

Recovery post dural venous sinus stenting

Post-procedure, you will be transferred back to the ward for bed rest and observation for 4 hours. You will be required to stay in hospital overnight for monitoring.

Following the procedure, you will be required to take blood-thinning medications. It is common to have a headache on the same side as the stent, which will usually subside within 48 hours and can be managed with painkillers (e.g. paracetamol). There may be some minor bruising at the skin entry site for a few days that will heal on its own. It is important to refrain from lifting heavy objects or exercising for a few days post-procedure.

Follow-up

You will receive a phone call from Dr McConnell’s consulting rooms 2 weeks post procedure to see how you are progressing. Dr McConnell will see you in his clinic 6 weeks post procedure.

Book an appointment and take control of your vein health.