The Challenge: Severe Leg Pain and Swelling
Michelle Betts was a healthy, active 27-year-old expecting her second child when she began having severe leg pain. Her doctor diagnosed her with deep vein thrombosis or DVT.
DVT is a type of blood clot that often happens in the large veins of the legs. It sometimes has a link to pregnancy.
After Michelle gave birth, her doctor prescribed a blood thinner. But he told her there wasn’t more he could do to treat her pain and other symptoms. She also had swelling in her leg and varicose veins in her belly.
Over the next 19 years, Michelle altered her routine to deal with the pain, swelling, and dead-weight feeling in her leg. She stopped mountain biking and needed a special chair to sit in at choir practice. She even found it hard to stand for long periods of time.
Then, while researching her symptoms online, Michelle came across a story about a woman with similar symptoms who had successful treatment.
Michelle went to her doctor and asked for help in finding a vascular surgeon who specialized in DVT.
The Path to DVT Treatment at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Michelle’s search lead her to the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh. Right away, she felt like she was in the right place – impressed with the knowledge and compassion her care team displayed.
After a thorough exam and imaging tests, doctors confirmed her diagnosis of chronic DVT, likely due to a rare disease called May-Thurner syndrome.
May-Thurner happens when a nearby artery compresses the left iliac vein, which brings blood from the pelvis back to the heart.
This compression limits blood flow, leading to narrowing and scarring in the vein. It can also cause symptoms like pain, swelling, and blood clots.
The Solution: A Venous Stent
Doctors suggested treatment using a stent — a small tube of metal mesh — to widen Michelle’s vein and restore healthy blood flow.
They talked with Michelle about a UPMC clinical trial to test a new stent designed specifically for vein use. She agreed to enroll.
On July 1, 2016, Michelle had the stenting treatment, which entailed a puncture in her leg and the use of a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to place the stent in her vein.
Michelle’s symptoms improved almost right away. Just four months later, she ran a 5K race.
“I feel great,” Michelle said. “As normal as I’ll ever be, thanks to my amazing team.”
Michelle takes a daily baby aspirin and will have follow-up visits for the next few years as part of the clinical trial. She's thankful for the care she received at UPMC.
Michelle's treatment and results may not be representative of similar cases.
Read more vascular condition patient stories
Learn More About DVT and Mayer-Thurner Syndrome
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