IVC Filter Implantation

Veins carry oxygen-poor blood back to the heart and lungs for oxygenation. Veins in legs have tiny valves that control the blood flow towards the heart. These valves may become weak or damaged, resulting in poor blood flow that causes it to pool and form clots. The condition is known as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). People with sedentary lifestyle (sitting in one place for long time) are at a higher risk of DVT. In most cases, the clots are formed inside the deep veins of the thigh or lower leg in patients. It may result in swelling, pain and tenderness in the legs. Sometimes, these emboli can travel into the lungs and cause pulmonary embolism, resulting in severe shortness of breath and even sudden death in extreme cases.

To prevent blood clots and other emboli from reaching the heart and lungs, Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters are implanted that reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism.

• The procedure has a high rate of success and usually recommended for patients who don’t respond to or are at a higher risk with conventional medication therapy
• IVC filter implantation or removal procedures are image-guided, minimally invasive procedures that do not leave scarring and do not require long post-operative care
• In most cases, surgeons may use general anesthesia or mild sedatives coupled with local anesthesia where the catheter is inserted into the vein
• Some patients may not even be required to spend the night under observation at the hospital if the physician decides so