Ovarian Vein Embolization (OVE) in Queens, NY

Ovarian Vein Embolization (OVE) at Medex Diagnostic & Treatment Center in Forest Hills, Queens, provides women with a minimally invasive option for lasting relief from chronic pelvic pain caused by pelvic congestion syndrome. Performed by board-certified interventional radiologists, the procedure seals refluxing ovarian veins with tiny coils or medical glue, eliminating the source of pressure and discomfort—often in under an hour and with same-day discharge. Convenient subway and LIRR access, coordinated imaging and after-care, and insurance-friendly pricing make Medex DTC the trusted local choice for OVE in Queens, NY.

Ovarian Vein Embolization Queens NY

Chronic, aching pelvic pain that worsens after long hours on your feet or at the end of the day is more than “just part of being a woman.” For up to one in three women with persistent pelvic pain, the culprit is pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) — varicose-like, refluxing veins deep inside the pelvis that keep blood from draining properly.¹ At Medex Diagnostic & Treatment Center in Forest Hills, our board-certified interventional radiologists treat PCS with ovarian vein embolization (OVE), a 45-minute, same-day, image-guided procedure that seals the faulty veins and lets healthy vessels take over.

What is pelvic congestion syndrome?

PCS develops when one or both ovarian veins (and sometimes internal iliac branches) loose valve function. Blood pools, the veins balloon, and the surrounding nerves fire off a constant dull ache that can radiate to the lower back, legs, or vulva.² Many patients notice pain:

  • after standing or sitting for several hours
  • during or after intercourse
  • in the week before menstruation
  • during or after pregnancy

Because pelvic pain has many gynecologic and gastrointestinal mimics, women often see multiple specialists before the venous cause is found.³ A pelvic Doppler ultrasound looking for reversed flow, followed by MR or catheter venography, is the gold-standard work-up endorsed by the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR). sirweb.org

What is Ovarian Vein Embolization?

Ovarian Vein Embolization is a minimally-invasive, image-guided procedure that seals malfunctioning ovarian (and often internal iliac) veins with coils, plugs or medical glue. By shutting down refluxing veins, it relieves pelvic venous disorder / pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS)—a major but under-diagnosed source of chronic pelvic pain in pre-menopausal women.

How OVE fixes the problem — step by step

  1. Tiny skin nick & catheter access – Using ultrasound guidance, the physician numbs the skin (usually at the right groin or neck) and slips a straw-size tube into the vein.
  2. Fluoroscopic navigation – Under live X-ray, the catheter is steered into the enlarged ovarian vein. A contrast dye venogram confirms reflux and maps any hidden tributaries.
  3. Delivery of embolic agents – Micro-coils, medical glue (NBCA), or sclerosant foam are released to block the vein permanently.⁴
  4. Confirmation & band-aid – A final X-ray shows the vein is sealed; the catheter is removed and a small bandage applied. Most patients walk out in two hours and resume normal activity in 24-48 hours.

Who typically needs OVE?

Ideal candidateCommon symptomsWhen to seek evaluation in Queens
Women (20-50 yrs) with ≥ 6 months of unexplained dull pelvic pain and imaging evidence of enlarged ovarian/pelvic veins▸ Pressure-like ache that worsens after long standing
▸ Pain pre-menstrually or post-pregnancy
▸ Visible vulvar/thigh varicosities
If pelvic pain persists despite GI, urologic or gynecologic work-ups, request a pelvic Doppler/CT at Medex Diagnostic & Treatment Center (Forest Hills) for a same-week specialist consult

Am I a good candidate?

You may benefit from OVE at Medex DTC if you:

  • have pelvic or lower-back pain ≥ 6 months with no other cause found
  • are pre-menopausal (most patients are 25-50 years old)
  • have dilated pelvic veins ≥ 5 mm with retrograde flow on Doppler or MR V
  • have completed childbearing or are comfortable with limited data showing no impact on future fertility (large series found normal menstruation and pregnancy outcomes).⁶

Contra-indications are rare, but include uncontrolled coagulopathy, severe contrast allergy, or pregnancy at the time of the procedure.

Specialists involved

StagePhysician at MedexRole
DiagnosisWomen’s Imaging Radiologist & GynecologistPelvic Doppler or CT venogram, rule-out alternatives
ProcedureBoard-certified Interventional RadiologistCatheter-based vein embolization (outpatient, 45-60 min)
After-carePain-management & Vascular teamSame-day discharge, 24-hr hotline, 2-week follow-up

Medex DTC houses all three subspecialties under one roof, eliminating hospital transfers and long scheduling gaps.


Step-by-step: how OVE works at Medex Queens

  1. Ultrasound/Dual-Energy CT confirms ovarian-vein diameter > 6 mm or reflux.
  2. IV sedation in our on-site angio suite; no general anesthesia required.
  3. 2 mm catheter introduced via internal jugular or common femoral vein.
  4. Venogram & pressure check map refluxing veins.
  5. Embolic agent deployed – typically 3-8 platinum coils ± sclerosing foam. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. Immediate pain-level reassessment; catheter removed, puncture sealed.
  7. Home the same day; most patients resume desk work within 48 hrs.

Effectiveness: Large series report ≥ 80 % long-term pain relief and 99 % technical success. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Success rates & safety – how good is the evidence?

MetricKey dataSource
Technical success (vein completely sealed)94-99.8 %Systematic reviews of 866 women
Short-term pain relief (1-3 mo)≈ 88 % of patients report moderate-to-significant reliefAetna clinical policy synthesis of 641 cases aetna.com
Long-term durability (≥ 1 yr)70-85 % sustained symptom reliefMulti-center follow-ups up to 5 yearsradiologyinfo.org
Overall complication rate≈ 9 % (major ≈ 1 %) – most commonly transient post-embolization pain or low-grade thrombosisMeta-analysis pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

OVE avoids a bikini-line incision and general anesthesia required for surgical ovarian vein ligation or hysterectomy, leading to fewer infections, less blood loss, and a same-day discharge.⁵

OVE Benefits vs. risks

BenefitsPossible (but uncommon) risks
• Outpatient, no abdominal incisions
• Fertility usually preserved
• Treats root cause rather than masking pain
• Mild post-embolization cramping/low-grade fever 24-72 hrs
• Coil migration (< 1 %)
• Allergic reaction to contrast media

Why choose Medex Diagnostic & Treatment Center for OVE?

  • Queens-based convenience: minutes from the E/F/R subway lines & LIRR Forest Hills.
  • One-stop vascular imaging + treatment: reduces appointments from weeks to a single morning.
  • Interdisciplinary women’s-health team: radiology, gynecology, vascular surgery, pain management.
  • Transparent pricing & insurance guidance: our coordinators pre-verify coverage and estimate out-of-pocket costs before your visit.

Will insurance cover the cost?

Because SIR guidelines, Carelon™ and multiple commercial payer policies list ovarian (or internal iliac) vein embolization as medically necessary for symptomatic PCS with imaging evidence of reflux, most U.S. insurers reimburse the procedure when pre-authorized. Our billing coordinator obtains approvals and provides transparent out-of-pocket estimates for high-deductible plans

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is OVE covered by insurance?
    Most commercial insurers and Medicare cover OVE when PCS is documented on imaging.
  2. Will the coils set off airport metal detectors?
    No; platinum coils are MRI-conditional and do not trigger security scanners.
  3. How long until pain improves?
    Cramping subsides in 2–3 days; pelvic pain typically falls by ≥ 50 % within 4–6 weeks.
  4. Can I still become pregnant?
    Yes. OVE targets veins only; ovarian arteries and fertility remain intact.
  5. What if both ovarian veins are abnormal?
    Bilateral embolization can be performed in the same session.
  6. Are there non-surgical alternatives?
    Hormonal suppression may offer temporary relief but carries systemic side-effects and high recurrence once stopped.
  7. How do I prepare for the procedure?
    Fast 6 hrs prior, stop anticoagulants per doctor’s instructions, arrange a ride home.
  8. What happens if symptoms return?
    A minority (< 10 %) may need repeat embolization or iliac-vein stenting; our team monitors you annually.
  9. Does Medex perform iliac-vein stents if needed?
    Yes—our interventional suite is equipped for stenting during the same visit when indicated.
  10. How soon can I exercise again?
    Light walking immediately; vigorous workouts after one week unless otherwise directed.

Stay In Touch Contact Us