WASHINGTON – Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert underwent emergency surgery to remove a blood clot and was later diagnosed with May-Thurner syndrome, a rare condition that affects blood flow. The Republican congresswoman, 37, was admitted to UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland after experiencing swelling in her upper left leg.
Doctors discovered an acute blood clot and diagnosed Boebert with May-Thurner syndrome after conducting a CT scan. Surgery was scheduled and performed on Tuesday morning to remove the clot and address her symptoms by adding a stent, a small metal mesh tube, to restore blood flow.
May-Thurner syndrome is a vascular condition in which an artery compresses the left iliac vein, blocking blood flow from the leg back to the heart. While some patients may not experience symptoms, long-term complications can include swelling, venous ulcers, and blood clots that may lead to life-threatening issues such as strokes and heart attacks.
The cause of Boebert’s diagnosis remains unknown, but her campaign identified potential factors such as dehydration, travel, and extended periods of sitting. Women between the ages of 20 and 45 who have given birth are also more likely to develop May-Thurner syndrome.
Boebert expressed gratitude to her medical staff and expressed her eagerness to fully recover and return to Congress to continue her work fighting for Colorado. She thanked Dr. Rebecca Bade and the entire team at UCHealth Medical Center for their care and helpful insight.
No timeline has been set for Boebert’s return to Washington, DC. Her hospitalization coincides with her bid for Colorado’s 4th District seat in the upcoming November election. As she seeks the more GOP-friendly district, Boebert announced in December that she would not seek re-election for her current seat in the Centennial State’s 3rd District.
Boebert’s campaign did not provide further details regarding her current condition, but she is expected to make a full recovery.