Question 1

how often are there complications when removing a ivc filter?

Accepted Answer

Ivc filter: Ivc filters are now removable.  During removal the risks include bleeding, dislodgement of clot or embolism and infection.  Death is a risk from any procedure.  The new technology of a removable ivc filter allows it to be removed after the risk of massive pulmonary embolism is over.  The rate of complications are related to the patients current condition and the condition of the stent.

Question 2

i had a retrievable ivc filter left in too long and it embedded. have had it for >8 years, on 5mg aspirin daily. any long term risks / complications?

Accepted Answer

Multiple: The main risks are: the filter can migrate, it can erode through the wall of the vein, it can cause clots, it can become infected. The balance of the risk of these complications Vs the risks associated with trying to remove it will depend on your individual case factors &amp; the type of filter you have. You should discuss this with the specialist who is managing your clotting disorder.

Question 3

explain an ivc filter placement?

Accepted Answer

Simple: I describe it to patients as an umbrella frame with no fabric.  It can be placed from the neck or groin vein.  There are several position the device can sit in the inferior vena cava but usually the apex of the device is at or near the inflow of the kidney veins.  It is positioned through a small sheath under xray guidance. The feet of the device contact the vessel wall holding it in place.

Question 4

what is the definition or description of: ivc filter placement?

Accepted Answer

Blood clot filter: An inferior vena cava (ivc) filter is a medical device placed into the ivc (the large vein in the abdomen) to prevent lower extremity or pelvic vein blood clots from reaching the lungs. Ivc filters are placed via the femoral or jugular veins. Some are permanent, while others are made to be retrievable.

Question 5

can ivc filter cause your legs to swell?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: Ivc filters do not themselves cause swelling of the legs, but clot can build up below the filter and of sever enough, can block drainage of blood from the legs back to the heart - this results in both legs swelling, sometimes quite large. In addition, leg swelling can be caused from a clot in the leg or blockage of lymphatic drainage channels.

Question 6

i have a ivc filter. can the ivc filter rubb one bone in the lower back?

Accepted Answer

Inside vessel: It is not likely the source of your symptoms. See your Dr. for evaluation as to the cause.

Question 7

how long does it take to clog an ivc filter so that both legs swell?

Accepted Answer

Shouldn't: It's not like a pool filter, more like a shredder. Unless very low blood pressure / flow, should not clot that high, but can clot lower. Helps decrease size so no large (/huge) clot goes to lung. If swelling, more likely edema / "heart failure" and should be seen by dr or in er depending on severity & any other complaints.

Question 8

is the cook tulip ivc filter metalic.   is is save for mri.  also, is it save to use a tens unit with one in place?

Accepted Answer

See below: A patient with a günther tulip vena cava filter can be scanned safely under the following conditions: 

static magnetic field of 1.5 tesla or 3.0 tesla 

there is no problem using a tens unit.

Question 9

does an ivc filter only catch a blood clot that would travel to the lungs?

Accepted Answer

That's main function: The main purpose of the IVC filter is to protect the lungs from blood clot reaching them.  The filter will also prevent blood clots from reaching the right atrium of the heart, however, this is not the main concern as the clot normally travels quickly through the heart into the pulmonary artery of lungs where it gets stuck in the narrowing pulmonary arteries.  This is termed pulmonary embolism.

Question 10

if you are diagnosed with dvt below your knees can you still get ivc filter?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Sure you can.  In some people there risks of coagulation (thinning the blood) like falling snd developing hematoma's or brain bleeds ids too great.  So, an inferior vena cava filter is umbrella'ed in to catch any thrombus heading north to the lungs.  There are several meds on te maket that are safe and do not require coag monitoring like Xarelto.

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Doctor answers about:

Ivc filter removal complications

A member asked:

How often are there complications when removing a ivc filter?

A member asked:

I had a retrievable ivc filter left in too long and it embedded. have had it for >8 years, on 5mg aspirin daily. any long term risks / complications?

A member asked:

Explain an ivc filter placement?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: ivc filter placement?

A member asked:

Can ivc filter cause your legs to swell?

A member asked:

I have a ivc filter. can the ivc filter rubb one bone in the lower back?

A member asked:

How long does it take to clog an ivc filter so that both legs swell?

A member asked:

Is the cook tulip ivc filter metalic. is is save for mri. also, is it save to use a tens unit with one in place?

A member asked:

Does an ivc filter only catch a blood clot that would travel to the lungs?

A member asked:

If you are diagnosed with dvt below your knees can you still get ivc filter?

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