I Had HIP SURGERY AND HAD DVT'S AND PULMONARY EMBOLISMS, NOW I NEED A 2ND SURGER!
Question: i want to know how it's done
Answers:
What is an IVC filter?
IVC stands for inferior vena cava, a major blood vessel that returns blood from the lower body to the heart. An IVC filter is a small piece of metal that can be put into the inferior vena cava to prevent blood clots in the legs from going up to the lungs.
A blood clot in the leg is called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If the clot goes to the lung, it's called a pulmonary embolus (PE). A large PE can be lethal.
Why does an IVC filter need to be placed?
If you have a DVT, you'll probably need to take blood-thinning medicine to prevent the clot from moving. Some people are unable to take blood thinners because of bleeding problems. Others may have tried blood thinners, but the medicine may not have worked properly. These people may need a temporary or permanent IVC filter to prevent blood clots from going to the lungs.
There are several types of IVC filters that are used today. The Greenfield filter is one of the most familiar names. Some of these filters are permanent; others are temporary and can be removed easily.
How is an IVC filter placed?
An IVC filter is placed by a doctor known as an interventional radiologist. It's a minor surgical procedure. Since you are sedated for the operation, you won't remember anything. A needle goes into a vein in your neck or groin to put a catheter into your blood vessel. The catheter is carefully positioned so the IVC filter can be inserted. By using an x-ray, the doctor can see the filter and move it to the right place.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure usually takes less than an hour. Most people go home within a day or two if there aren't any major problems.
What are the risks?
The procedure is considered low risk, so major problems are rare. Bleeding and infection are possible at the incision. The risk of injury to other organs is very small. Other risks, including death, are very rare. Each unique filter design has its own risks and benefits.
Other Answers:
Greenfield Filters are small wire filters that are placed in the major vein that carries blood from the lower body to the heart. These filters are used in patients with a history of DVT/PE that cannot tolerate anticoagulation ("blood thinning") with the drugs Coumadin or Heparin. Often patients have an allergy to these medications or may may have a contraindication to "blood thinning" such as intestinal bleeding or a history of traumatic falls.
Greenfield filters are placed by a qualified interventional radiologist or by a vascular surgeon. After local anesthetic placement, a large vein in the groin is accessed with a needle. A catheter (very small tube) is inserted into the vein via the needle. Then, a collapsed filter which fits through the catheter is threaded up into the vein around the level of your belly button. The filter is then "deployed" or unfolded. The filter device automatically sets itself into the walls of the vein for stability. With the filter in place, blood clots from the legs (DVTs) are blocked before they can get to the lungs and cause a PE.
Some complications with the procedure include infection, bleeding, and allergic reactions to the local anesthetic. Long term complications with the filter include slowing of blood flow in the vein due to blockage of the filter with clots. This is a rare occurance. As with all medical therapy, the benefits (avoiding another potentially life threatening PE) are balanced with risks (infection) and compared with other medical options (coumadin).
You should discuss the procedure and its alternatives in depth with your physician.
Greenfield filter placement is relatively common in patients who have had multiple PEs' and are at risk of future PE's. You are going for some surgery that (I assume it's another hip replacement?) predisposes you to having a clot in your leg. You are especially at risk because you had a clot in the past (which likely originated in your leg and traveled to your lung). A greenfield filter is placed in a vein near your lungs to prevent any clot from getting into your lungs if one happens to form in your leg again.
I want to let you know that the majority of patients who get these filters turn out okay. However it is my opinion that Greenfield filter placement is performed too often. There are studies that indicate that Greenfield filters actually CAUSE more harm than good. Please discuss this with your surgeon, and explore the alternatives. They can be very aggressive about DVT prevention after your surgery. For example, giving you a shot of a blood thinner (such as Lovenox or Fragmin) very soon after surgery, and continue it for about 2-4 weeks after surgery.
Hope this helps.
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