The use of an Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filter in the treatment of your condition prevents dangerous blood clots from your legs, pelvis and elsewhere from passing through your heart and entering into your lungs (pulmonary embolism) where they might cause serious illness. The filter itself is a small medical device that is shaped like the frame of a small umbrella. It is placed into the large inferior vena cava vein that carries the blood from your legs and lower abdomen on its way to the heart and lungs.
Our interventional radiologist will insert the collapsed filter through a large vein, usually in your groin or the side of your neck. The filter will be inserted inside of a small plastic tube called a catheter. Using x-ray guidance, the filter will be advanced into its proper site in the inferior vena cava in your abdomen, where it will be expanded and set in place. The empty catheter will then be removed. A local anesthetic is usually used to make you comfortable during the procedure. The placement of these filters usually takes about an hour. Your doctor will give you specific instructions regarding what to do during your recovery period and how to care for the insertion site. However, you should contact your physician right away if you experience sudden chest pain with shortness of breath, swellings of the legs or significant pain in your abdomen.
Such IVC filters are sometimes permanent and do not need to be removed, repositioned or replaced. However, your doctor may order a removable filter. Once in place, the IVC filter will trap any blood clot that may threaten to become a pulmonary embolus. Trapped blood clots will slowly dissolve as the blood flows through the filter.
The IVC filter is made from nickel and titanium metal and will not normally interfere with x-ray, CT scans or MRI tests. However, before having such examinations in the future, you should tell the technologist that you have such a filter.
There is usually no need to restrict your normal activities when you have an inferior vena cava filter, but you should discuss with your doctor the level of activity that is appropriate for you.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact 732-557-8000, extension 11113.
