Hospital da Luz Vila Real performed this month, for the first time in Portugal, a procedure to treat deep venous obstruction through implantation of the new Fortegra venous stent. This pilot treatment represents a new therapeutical option, particularly in patients with symptomatic venous obstruction, including situations associated to pelvic venous disease and post-thrombotic sequelae. Pelvic venous disease is a vascular condition caused by dilation and malfunctioning of pelvic region veins, leading to blood accumulation and increased pressure in the veins. This minimally invasive and endovascular procedure enables to reestablish and improve venous blood flow via stent (or tube) implanting, to maintain the affected vein open while respecting natural venous flow, with high safety, less pain and less postoperative thrombosis risk. Venous flow recovery may contribute to improve symptoms such as pain, leg oedema or swelling, and skin alterations, also promoting venous ulcer cicatrization. This intervention at Hospital da Luz Vila Real was performed by vascular surgeons Mário Marques Vieira and João Rocha Neves . What he treatment involves: This is a minimally invasive endovascular procedure where the physician inserts the device through a sheath, usually by venous access, positioning it in the obstructed zone. When released, the stent expands and operates as a structure maintaining the vein open in its natural form, enabling to improve blood flow and reduce venous obstruction. In this first procedure performed in Portugal, the Fortegra (Gore) was used, a device comprising a nitinol self-expanding structure and bridge-free ePTFE polymer mesh designed to combine flexibility, compression resistance, and adaptation to venous movement. This is a recent device having obtained MDR/CE approval in Europe in June 2026. In Europe, this technology is indicated for the treatment of venous flow symptomatic obstruction in the inferior vena cava and/or iliofemoral veins. Such obstruction may be associated to deep venous disease, pelvic venous disease, and post-thrombotic situations, potentially causing symptoms of significant impact on quality of life. “The performing of this pioneer procedure in Portugal thus represents a new resource in the specialized treatment of venous disease, enabling to expand the options available for selected patients with symptomatic venous obstruction”, explains Mário Marques Vieira. The application of this new technology reinforces the investment of Hospital da Luz Vila Real on a differentiated and specialized approach to venous disease, namely in pelvic venous disease and deep venous obstruction. At Hospital da Luz Vila Real, we continue investing in innovation, technology, and clinical excellence, aiming to provide patients with evermore differentiated and adequate therapeutic solutions.
