Permanent IVC filter placement is a minimally invasive procedure in which your interventional radiologist will use a thin tube (catheter) to place a small device within your Inferior Vena Cava vein. It will block any blood clots from making their way into the bloodstream moving towards your major organs.
How to Prepare for IVC Filter Placement
- Before the procedure will take place, you will schedule a consultation with your interventional radiologist in order to develop a personalized plan that allows them to get an understanding of your medical history. This guarantees that our team is making the best decisions to work towards your recovery.
- Plan to arrive 2-4 hours before your treatment to have testing done. This typically involves imaging technology to pinpoint the location of the clotting, as well as blood tests to determine how the blood is clotting, and if your organs are functioning properly.
- Make note of any allergies or medication you are taking.
What to Expect
- This minimally invasive procedure will be completed within one hour.
- You will be under twilight anesthesia, which will keep your heavily sedated, but conscious. This is administered through an intravenous line to the arm.
- You will be lying on your back during this procedure.
- The area of incision will be numbed, so you will feel nothing outside of a small amount of pressure when the catheter is inserted.
- Once the filter has been directed under guidance of imaging technology into the vein, it will expand to the walls of the vessel and begin blocking any incoming clots.
- The incision will be covered, and does not require stitches.
What to Expect after IVC Filter Placement
- This same-day procedure will allow you to return home within a few hours after completion.
- You will require 24-48 hours before returning to normal activities.
- Your interventional radiologist will schedule a follow up exam 1-2 weeks after the procedure is completed to examine how you are responding to treatment.
For More Information
For more information on IVC filter placement, or to schedule an appointment with an interventional radiologist, please call 847.570.2160.