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Many people are afraid of IVC filters due to their recent bad press. Like most medical interventions, there is a time and place for these procedures and if done for the right reasons and safely, they can have minimal side effects and complications.
An IVC (inferior vena cava) filter is a small device that sits within the IVC to prevent large blood clots from becoming pulmonary embolisms. There are multiple different types of filters. Most of the current filters look like the metal part of the inside of an umbrella. One in particular looks like a tangled ball of wire and is called a bird’s nest.
In the not so distant past IVC filters were placed with the intention of preventing pulmonary embolism for a variety of ailments. However, since then many studies have shown that IVC filters are not the pancea physicians thought they were. The ultimate indication for an IVC filter is a patient who cannot tolerate anticoagulation and has a DVT. Another common indication is for patients who have recurrent DVTs who are fully anticoagulated.
This is question is complex. It really comes down to why the filter was placed and if the need for the filter is no longer present in the patient. Some filters are meant to be removable. Some filters are permanent. This is a great question to ask your vascular surgeon as every patient’s circumstances are unique and deserve specific considerations.
IVC filters can be placed from the groin or the neck. A large IV is placed. The IVC is measured using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) or using dye. This also checks to make sure the filter is not placed within clot. The filter is deployed using fluoroscopy to make sure it is in the correct place. The deployment device and IV is removed and pressure is held. The procedure itself takes about 15 minutes and the patient has minimal recovery.
The information on this website is provided as general health guidelines and may not be applicable to your particular health condition. Your individual health status and any required medical treatments can only be properly addressed by a professional healthcare provider of your choice. Remember: There is no adequate substitution for a personal consultation with your physician. Neither Florida Surgical Clinic LLC, or any of their affiliates, nor any contributors shall have any liability for the content or any errors or omissions in the information provided by this website.
701 Manatee Ave. W, Suite 105
Bradenton, FL 34205
Phone: 727-787-4379
Phone: 941-787-4379
Fax: 727-228-4542
Email: contactus@floridasurgicalclinic.com
Monday – Friday: 8AM – 4:30PM
Saturday – Sunday: Closed (Except on Ultrasound and Procedure Days)
Florida Surgical Clinic provides supreme vascular surgery and general surgery care to patients living in the cities of Anna Maria, Apollo Beach, Brandon, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Clearwater, Ellenton, Holmes Beach, Lakewood Ranch, Largo, Long Boat Key, Myakka City, North Port, Palmetto, Parrish, Pinellas Park, Riverview, Ruskin, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Siesta Key, Sun City Center, Tampa, and Venice.
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