Flow freely.

Are you at risk?

IVC filters are commonly used in those who have a history of blood clots or are at risk of developing them. IVC filters are an excellent option and have a high rate of success for those who:

• Have a history of blood clots
• Are at high risk of developing blood clots
• Have been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis
• Have pulmonary embolus
• Have suffered a traumatic injury
• Have recently had surgery or delivered a baby
• Don't respond to or cannot utilize conventional medical therapy, such as blood thinning agents

Know the Signs

Blood clots can form anywhere in your body where there is a blood supply. Symptoms will likely depend on the location where the clot is blocking blood flow, including:

• Swelling, pain, warmth, or tenderness not related to an injury — especially in one or both of your legs
• An area of discoloration (redness or blueness) in the skin on your legs
• Sudden difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Quick, jumpy, or irregular heartbeat
• Dizziness or fainting
• Low blood pressure
• Chest pain, especially if the pain worsens when you cough or breathe deeply
• Coughing up blood

What to Expect

Historically, IVC filters were permanently implanted devices. Advances in technology have led to retrievable IVC filters which can be permanent or removed when there is no longer a risk of clotting. At Richmond Vascular Center, our expert interventional radiologists perform this procedure in a convenient, outpatient setting.

During the insertion of IVC filters, one of the interventional radiologists creates a small nick in the patient's neck or groin area. Using image guidance, a small tube known as a catheter is advanced through the vein from the neck or grain to the Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) in the abdomen. Once the catheter is correctly positioned, the IVC filter is released, allowing it to expand and attach itself to the walls of the blood vessel. This effectively prevents life-threatening blood clots from reaching the heart or lungs.

Numbing medicine is used at the access site. No other medication is required to insert an IVC filter. Therefore, you may drive yourself to and from this appointment. You will remain upright for four (4) hours after the procedure to decrease your chances of post procedure bleeding.

What to Expect

The removal of an IVC filter can be performed when the risk of the blood clot traveling to the heart or lung has passed. The procedure to remove the IVC filter is like that of its placement. A small nick is made in the neck and a small tube known as a catheter is inserted into the IVC vein using image guidance. The catheter captures the IVC filter via a small hook at the top, collapses and retracts the filter, and withdraws it from the body.

You will need a driver to transport you to your appointment, stay here, and drive you home after. Depending on how long you have had your IVC filter, you may require mild sedation for removal. An IV will be started before the procedure. There is minimal recovery time after this procedure. You will remain upright for four (4) hours after the procedure to decrease your chances of post procedure bleeding.

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