Inferior Vena Cava Filter Placement

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is inferior vena cava filter placement? Inferior vena cava filter placement is surgery to place a filter into your inferior vena cava. The inferior vena cava, or IVC, is a large blood vessel found in your abdomen (stomach). It begins at your abdomen, and continues up to your heart, inside your chest. The IVC brings blood from the lower parts of your body back to your heart. During the procedure, a catheter (thin plastic tube) is inserted into the blood vessels in your neck or groin. A doppler ultrasound or fluoroscope (x-ray) is used to guide the catheter into your IVC. The IVC filter is inserted through the catheter and into the IVC where it attaches to the walls of the vein. The catheter is pulled out after the procedure and the filter is left in.

What is an inferior vena cava filter? An IVC filter is a specially shaped mesh made of very thin wires. It is placed in the center of the IVC to trap blood clots going to your heart. This helps prevent the blood clots from blocking blood vessels in your lungs and causing serious problems. The following are the types of IVC filters:

• Permanent filters: These filters are left firmly in the IVC and are not taken out. Examples include the Greenfield filter, Bird's Nest filter, and TrapEase filter.
  
  
• Temporary or retrievable filters: These filters can be removed from the IVC after a period of time. They may also be left permanently in the IVC depending on the person's condition. Examples include the OptEase filter, Gunther Tulip filter, and Recovery filter. They have small hooks or knobs on one end so that they could be removed by caregivers. A special catheter with a hook is used to remove temporary IVC filters. Your caregiver will tell you when the IVC filter may be removed.

What is pulmonary embolism? Pulmonary embolism is a condition where blood vessels in your lungs get blocked by a floating blood clot. When this happens, the area it supplies with blood may die and rot. You may have trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, bluish skin color, and you may even die. The blood clot that causes this condition usually comes from the blood vessels in your legs or hips. Blood clots are made of fat and fibers. Clots that stick on blood vessel walls make the vessels narrow. They may completely clog the blood vessel, or they may break off from the walls and float in your blood.

Why might I need an inferior vena cava filter placed? You may need surgery to place an IVC filter when you have blood clotting problems. You may also need it if you are at risk of having blood clots, such as during pregnancy or surgery. You may also need it after trauma, such as a head injury or fractured pelvis. A filter may also prevent patients who have a history of deep venous thrombosis, from getting clots in their lungs. When medicine to thin the blood cannot be used, an IVC filter may be placed.

What are the risks of having an inferior vena cava filter? There are risks with IVC placement surgery, including infection and bleeding. Blood clots may form and float elsewhere from the area where the catheter is inserted. Your IVC and the tissue around it may get damaged. Your IVC filter may break, loosen, change position, or get blocked. If there are problems with your filter, you may need to have more surgery. Even after IVC filter placement, blood clots may still appear and clog blood vessels. Ask your caregiver if you have any questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or care.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.