Doctors often place inferior vena cava, or IVC, filters in a patient to ensure that blood clots do not travel to the heart or lungs. If such an incident were to occur, it would cause a pulmonary embolism in the patient.
The IVC filter is a tiny device that is placed into a part of the inferior vena cava, which is the largest vein in the middle of the human body. It is done through a short surgical procedure.
Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis
Veins are a necessary part of the body, as they are responsible for bringing oxygen-poor blood back to the heart. When a patient is suffering from deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, it means they are experiencing a blood clot inside the vein.
If the valves inside the inferior vena cava vein are damaged by a clot, it can result in blood pooling up in your legs. While it is a serious issue in itself, the problem is even more dangerous if a blood clot were to reach the lungs or heart. It is why doctors must take action, such as placing the IVC filter into a patient’s vein.
Incidents That Lead to IVC Filter Placement
Patients who suffer from DVT or a pulmonary embolism are the major candidates for having the IVC filter placed into their vein. But other situations can also prompt a doctor to decide that placing the filter is the best way to protect the patient’s health.
For instance, patients who recently went through surgery, stroke, lengthy travel, suffered an injury to their leg, suffer from blood disorders that cause clotting, cancer treatment or pregnancy are all candidates for the IVC filter.
What Are the Risks of the IVC Filter?
Even though placing the IVC filter into the vein is a minor surgical procedure, it does come with risks. It is possible that a patient will suffer from an infection, excessive bleeding, allergies, damaged blood vessels, blockage of blood through the filter, or the filter traveling to the heart or lungs.
The risks of having an IVC filter placed into the inferior vena cava vein may sound scary. But it is important to understand they are only a worst case scenario. Tens of thousands of IVC filters are placed into patients in the United States every single year. Only a small percentage of these individuals develop any type of issue. And most side effects from the procedure or the filter are minor inconveniences.
Warning Signs After Filter Placement
After the surgical procedure is complete, patients should be free to go home the next day. Some may be discharged on the same day, depending on how they are feeling.
It is important for patients and their families to keep an eye out for any symptoms that may indicate an issue because of the surgery or the IVC filter. Some pain is normal, while a bruise in the area is not a serious concern either.
But patients who are experiencing coldness or numbness in their limbs, bleeding at the site where the filter was placed, swelling that gets worse over a few days, fluid leaking from the site, chest pain, nausea or a high fever should contact their doctor immediately.
If these symptoms get worse rapidly, it is best to visit the emergency room for immediate treatment. Patients must ensure they are following the advice of their doctor in the hours and days after the IVC filter is fitted into their vein.
While there are risks associated with these filters, they can also help prevent a very serious incident in the body. By discussing the risks, taking precautions and staying alert to potential symptoms, patients can ensure they remain in good health after the IVC filter is fitted into the body.