IVC Filter Insertion.

What is it?

An inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is a small device inserted to stop blood clots from reaching the lungs.

Why would you need it?

Veins are the blood vessels that carry oxygen poor blood back to the heart. Inside these vessels are valves that keep blood flowing up towards the heart. When these valves are damaged, they can become leaky or weakened, allowing blood to flow away from the heart. This complication causes blood to pool into your legs and feet, slowing blood flow. When blood flows slowly this may cause some cells to stick together and form a clot. These clots are called a thrombus or embolism (moving clot).

You may need an IVC filter if you suffer from or have history of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a pulmonary embolism. You may also need an IVC filter if you are at risk for developing a DVT.

Those risk factors include:

• Decrease in mobility

• Recent surgery

• Injury

• Stroke

• Blood disorders

• Pregnancy

• Cancer treatment

• Smoking

• Obesity

• Older age

After the Procedure

Following the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery area where your cardiac status and procedure site will be monitored for 1-2 hours. During this time, you will receive IV fluids to assist in flushing the dye from your system.

Going Home

You will be able to go home the same day of the procedure, although you will not be able to drive for the first 24 hours after. You will need to arrange in advance for someone to drive you home.

You must refrain from drinking alcohol, smoking, and any strenuous activity that requires heavy lifting, straining or vigorous movement for the first 24 hours following the procedure.

The dressing over the puncture site may be removed 24 hours after the procedure.  

It is normal to experience some discomfort and discoloration at the puncture site. You may take an over the counter pain relief medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin).

If at any point there is redness accompanied with drainage, pain, swelling, fever or chills, or the site is hot to the touch, these may be signs of an infection and must be reported to the doctor IMMEDIATELY.

Follow-up imaging may be required to ensure the IVC filter remains in the correct location within the inferior vena cava.

How long does the test last?

This procedure usually takes approximately 1 hour, with recovery typically taking between 1 and 2 hours.

IVC Filter Removal.

What is it?

Retrievable IVC filters may be removed once the risk of DVT has decreased or subsided, although older models of the filter were meant to be left in place. Safe removal will be confirmed using IV contrast dye and X-ray imaging. Then, a small catheter-like snare be inserted into the vein and grab a hook located on the end of the filter. A thin sheath covers the legs of the filter, releasing it from the vein walls. The catheter and filter are then pulled out together.

Why would you need it?

Retrievable IVC filters may be removed once the risk of DVT has decreased or subsided.

How long does the procedure last?

This procedure usually takes approximately 1 hour, with recovery typically taking between 1 and 2 hours.