EPISODE 49: In today’s episode I visit with a Vascular Surgeon to address vascular complications during pregnancy. This episode is great if you're a patient who has had any vascular complication as well as if you are a physician preparing for your oral board exams!
Guest: Dr. Patrick Duffy

In this episode, we discuss:
• What a Vascular Surgeon Does — 2:07 — The "plumbers of the body": arterial and venous disease, blood clots, atherosclerosis, and trauma.
• Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) in Pregnancy — 4:24 — Why pregnant patients are at higher risk for clots, and the DVT-to-PE relationship.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) — 4:51 — Symptoms, diagnosis via venous duplex ultrasound, anticoagulation management, and prevention (compression, mobility, hydration).
• May-Thurner Syndrome — 20:53 — Right iliac artery compressing the left iliac vein; unprovoked left-leg DVT; treated with angioplasty and stenting.
• Pulmonary Embolism (PE) — 24:33 — Symptoms, overlap with pregnancy, CT angiogram vs. VQ scan, anticoagulation, and thrombectomy for cor pulmonale.
• IVC Filters — 32:38 — What they are, placement (neck or groin), indications, temporary vs. permanent, and removal.
• Laparoscopic Surgery in Pregnancy — 42:46 — Trocar placement, insufflation pressures, Veress needle complications, and managing retroperitoneal hematomas.
• Liver Rupture & Portal Hypertension — 49:20 — Diagnosis, embolization treatment, and a fatal case discussion involving liver varicosities.
• Varicose Veins in Pregnancy — 55:53 — Deep vs. superficial venous systems, superficial thrombophlebitis, vulvar varicosities, and when a cesarean might be warranted.
• Splenic Artery Aneurysm — 1:02:39 — Incidental findings, third-trimester rupture risk, treatment thresholds, and family history.
• Osler-Weber-Rendu Syndrome — 1:05:41 — Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, pulmonary and cerebral AVMs, autosomal dominant inheritance.

Helpful links:
May Thurner Syndrome: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17213-may-thurner-syndrome
Multiple AVMs during pregnancy: https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/crpm-2014-0014/html?srsltid=AYCX9vLFUwZn2XOeuQZhx0y6Or5BtPNR8S2funjn5c60TIGl2dHdh_qS


Click to learn more about Dr. Lexi.

Click HERE to watch the podcast.

GET FREE DOWNLOADS like the MUST HAVE Advocacy Assistant outlining important questions everyone should ask their OB provider!

BOOK A CONSULTATION WITH DR LEXI

CONNECT WITH DR LEXI
Website; Instagram; Twitter; Facebook

LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST
Apple Podcasts; Spotify; Amazon

BOARD QUESTIONS ANSWERED!
With Dr. Patrick Duffy, Vascular Surgeon

What is the best imaging if you suspect a pulmonary embolism? How do you begin treatment when you diagnose a pulmonary embolism? Let's learn more about it!

Prepare for your oral board exams with confidence. This series will help to break down questions to help you best answer them in an organized form. Whether you're just starting or in need of more practice, this series will help you with strengthening your communication skills and learning how to structure clear and concise answers under pressure.

CLICK HERE to find more helpful board resources!

BOARD QUESTIONS ANSWERED!
With Dr. Patrick Duffy, Vascular Surgeon

How would you manage a patient diagnosed with a DVT in pregnancy who is then therapeutically anticoagulated and weeks later has a pulmonary embolism? Let's learn more about management and the use of IVC filters!

Prepare for your oral board exams with confidence. This series will help to break down questions to help you best answer them in an organized form. Whether you're just starting or in need of more practice, this series will help you with strengthening your communication skills and learning how to structure clear and concise answers under pressure.

CLICK HERE to find more helpful board resources!