Venous Procedures
Vascular Access
Central lines provide reliable access for dialysis or intravenous treatment. Tunneled and implanted lines can be used for months to years.
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A Vascath is used for dialysis
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A Portacath for long-term treatment
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A PICC for treatment lasting weeks to months, and
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A Hickman for frequent or continuous access.
DVT Thrombectomy
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
thrombectomy is a minimally
invasive procedure that removes
blood clots from the deep veins of the legs, restoring flow and relieving pain and swelling.
Although DVT is traditionally treated with blood-thinning medication, this prevents clot progression but does not directly remove existing clots, which can le ave patients with persistent venous obstruction and long-term complications. Modern mechanical thrombectomy techniques can safely and effectively remove large volumes of clot.
Thrombectomy is most effective with acute or subacute DVT, so early referral should be considered when appropriate. Chronic clot can also be effectively removed in select cases.
Where vein compression is the cause of clot formation, such as May-Thurner syndrome, a venous stent may be inserted to restore and maintain blood flow.
Note: The specialised equipment used for DVT thrombectomy is not currently covered by the Australian Prosthesis List, meaning patients may incur significant out-of-pocket costs, even with private health insurance.
Adrenal Vein Sampling
Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure used to identify the source of excess aldosterone production in patients with primary aldosteronism (Conn's syndrome), a common and potentially treatable cause of high blood pressure.
Using imaging guidance, a thin catheter is inserted through a vein in the groin to collect blood samples directly from both adrenal glands. Hormone levels are compared to determine whether excess aldosterone is produced by one adrenal gland or both. Identifying unilateral disease may allow curative surgery, while bilateral disease is generally managed with medication. The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia as a day procedure.
Benefits include:
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Accurate identification of the source of excess aldosterone production
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More reliable assessment than CT or MRI alone
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Identification of patients who may benefit from potentially curative surgery
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Avoidance of unnecessary adrenal surgery in patients with bilateral disease
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Guidance towards the most appropriate medical or surgical treatment
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Minimally invasive procedure without surgical incisions
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Short recovery time and typically performed as a day procedure