IVC Filter Placement

IVC Filter Placement

An Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filter is a small, metal device that is inserted into the inferior vena cava, blood vessel which returns blood from the lower extremities to the heart. IVC filter is designed to keep the blood clots from moving to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. It is advised to patients who have high risks of DVT and are cannot take anti-coagulation medications or where anti-coagulation treatment has not been effective.

Symptoms related to the need for an IVC filter are typically those of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, such as:

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Generalised oedema, pain, and swelling in one leg is more marked and it is usually detachable, and the affected skin over the leg is hot and red.
  • Pulmonary Embolism: Shortness of breath, chest pain (stabbing), tachycardia, dizziness or syncope, and hemoptysis.
  • No Direct Symptoms: In most cases, the requirement for IVC filter arises from the tendency, history or symptoms of DVT or PE in the concerned patient and not the physical symptoms of the filter.
Symptoms Collapse Symptoms
  • Signs of DVT: Continuous pain, heaviness, rashing, colour change or any warmth, pain on touching the legs.
  • Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism: Signs and symptoms that appear suddenly include; Shortness of breath, chest pains, coughing of blood.
  • Pre-existing Conditions: There are certain conditions that would make formation of blood clot likely, if you have been told about the presence of an IVC filter.
  • Follow-up Care: It also pointed out that one has to attend many follow-up treatments to evaluate the condition of the IVC filter if you have one implanted.
When to Go for a Medical Check-up Collapse When to Go for a Medical Check-up

An IVC filter is generally placed to prevent complications arising from:An IVC filter is generally placed to prevent complications arising from:

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Blood clots which forms often in the deep veins of the legs or other areas of the body and travel to the lungs.
  • Pulmonary Embolism (PE): When a clot of blood gets loose and moves to the lung where it form blockage in the intended pulmonary arteries.
  • High-Risk Conditions: Factors that predispose one to developing blood clots including very severe injuries, necessity of surgeries including replacement of hip or knee joint, some types of cancer or very long periods of inactivity for any reason for example due to illness or operations.
  • Contraindications to Anticoagulation Therapy: Patients, who comorbidities, allergy, or previous adverse event contraindicate the use of blood-thinning medications.
Causes Collapse Causes

The decision to place an IVC filter is based on the following diagnostic steps:

  • Medical History and Symptoms: Taking of history of events or conditions that may have led to the clotting disorders, review of symptoms associated with clotting and details of the assessment of risk factors towards clotting.
  • Ultrasound: These are normally used to diagnose blood clots in the veins especially when someone has developed DVT.
  • CT Scan: [It can prove the existence of pulmonary embolism and also show the positioning of IVC filter].
  • Venography: A special type of X-ray that involves administration of contrast medium that outlines the blood vessels especially the veins to enable placement of the filter.
  • Assessment of Contraindications: Determining whether the patient has any comorbidities that will be This exclude the patient from using anticoagulants.
Diagnosis Collapse Diagnosis

The IVC filter placement procedure involves:

  • Preparation: Thus, before undergoing the lymphangiography the patient might have to abstain from eating and drinking for several hours and will also have to tell the doctor about his/her medical history. Informed consents are then obtained and possibly a preoperative imaging may be done.
  • Procedure: The filter is usually placed through a catheter which is passed through the vein in the groins or neck. Specifically, the catheter is navigated to the inferior vena cava with the filter being released in this area. Local anesthesia together with sedation is commonly used while undergoing the procedure.
  • Post-Procedure Care: Patients are monitored for complications and may need to stay in the hospital for a short period. Follow-up imaging is often required to ensure proper placement and function of the filter.
  • Long-Term Management: Regular check-ups are essential to monitor the filter’s position and ensure there are no complications. The filter may need to be removed if it is no longer required or if there are any issues.
Treatment Collapse Treatment

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