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What are IVC Filters?
An IVC filter is a small medical device that is inserted into a patient’s inferior vena cave to prevent blood clots from reaching the lungs. While some patients may receive a permanent filter, the vast majority of IVC filters are designed to be temporary and should be removed within the timeframe recommended by the Interventional Radiologist. Permanent filters are often only used in elderly or very sick patients, where they will remain in place for the rest of their natural life.
Why are IVC Filters placed?
IVC Filters are often utilized when a patient is at a heightened risk of developing a pulmonary embolism.
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the blockage of blood flow within the lungs due to a deep venous thrombosis (DVT), or blood clot, that develops somewhere else in the body – most often in the legs. When these venous clots form, they can break free and travel to the lungs, where they can block blood flow resulting in a serious, potentially life-threatening medical condition.
Why is it important to get the filter removed once it is no longer necessary?
IVC filters have small, needle-like legs that are designed to anchor into the tissue. Over time – if they are not removed – those legs can penetrate the wall of the vein, tilting the filter. This can result in the cap of the filter embedding in the wall of the vein, making removal difficult. There is also the risk of the small legs of the filter fracturing over time and migrating to the heart or lungs, which can lead to serious complications.
If your physician has informed you that you need an IVC Filter or if you have a filter that needs to be removed, contact us for next steps by clicking on the Request a Consultation below or calling us at 817.321.0951. We would love to connect with you and discuss how we might be able to care for you.
Request a Consultation
or call us at 817.321.0951
