How do I check my IVC filter placement?

The doctor will make a very small skin incision at the site. Using image-guidance, the doctor inserts a catheter through the skin to the treatment site. Contrast material may be injected into the inferior vena cava to help guide the catheter and verify precise placement of the IVC filter in the blood vessel.

When should an IVC filter be placed?

The classic indications for IVC filter placement include documented VTE and:

  • Absolute contraindication to anticoagulation.
  • Complication of anticoagulation resulting in cessation of therapy.
  • Failure of anticoagulation.

How long should a Greenfield Filter be left in?

Historically, Greenfield filters in place for longer than 3 weeks were considered permanent due to the risks of retrieval. Herein we present 2 cases of successful retrieval of Greenfield filters 13 and 19 years post implantation.

Is IVC filter placement major surgery?

Surgeons can insert an IVC filter through a small incision. This means it’s minimally invasive. You don’t need major surgery to have IVC filter placement.

Why is IVC filter placed below renal vein?

Normal placement of caval filters is below the renal veins in order to reduce risk of renal vein thrombosis.

What side is the inferior vena cava on?

right side
The inferior vena cava (IVC) is the largest vein of the human body. It is located at the posterior abdominal wall on the right side of the aorta.

Is a Greenfield Filter MRI safe?

They conclude that, while most Greenfield filters respond to a magnetic field, the chance of migration of a filter because of an MRI scan is small. Therefore, MRI scanning of patients with Greenfield filters has little risk.

Can a Greenfield filter get clogged?

Yes, an IVC filter can get clogged.

Does a Greenfield filter have to be removed?

IVC filter removal A retrievable IVC filter may be removed when the risk of a blood clot traveling to the lungs has passed or if you can take blood thinners. Your doctor may recommend removing the filter when it’s no longer needed.

How long does IVC filter last?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends removing temporary IVC filters after 29-54 days. While this is not very long, it should provide enough time for the acute threat to pass or to find another solution that can work on a long-term basis.

What is a Greenfield filter made of?

Greenfield filter. The original Greenfield filter is conical, and it consists of 6 strands of 0.015-in, zigzag-shaped, 316L-grade stainless steel legs in a radial array, each with a hook at the end that anchors the filter to the IVC.

Can you have a CT scan with an IVC filter?

CT of the IVC precisely images the renal veins and can characterize their number and their confluence with the IVC. CT guidance is a viable alternative to fluoroscopic guidance for the placement of IVC filters in morbidly obese patients.

What is a Greenfield filter?

This type of filter is a small, stainless steel device. Many filters are cone shaped with legs that stem from a small, round base. The Greenfield filter is cone-shaped, with six legs that stem from the base. Each of these legs has tiny hooks on the end to help with placement and stability during the initial installation and during its use.

What is the cross sectional area of a Greenfield filter?

The design of the Greenfield filter made it possible for thrombi to fill and occlude 70% of the filter cone, representing a volume of thrombus of approximately 4 cm 3 (34.3% of total volume) without reducing the cross-sectional area by 50%. If the cone is filled to 80% of total volume, the reduction of cross-sectional area is 64%.

How is a Greenfield filter catheter inserted?

Depending on the location of the blood clots, the catheter (thin tube) is inserted via the large vein in the groin (femoral vein), arm veins or the large neck vein (internal jugular vein). The catheter is guided to the Inferior Vena Cava by a fluoroscope or ultrasound, after which the Greenfield Filter is inserted and attached to the IVC walls.

What is a Greenfield filter for the inferior vena cava?

These devices are also small, and placing them in the inferior vena cava can be strenuous and requires knowledge and experience. The Greenfield filter is used to help capture clots. This type of filter is a small, stainless steel device.