IVC FILTER PLACEMENT AND RETRIEVAL

WHAT IS DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS AND PULMONARY THROMBOEMBOLISM?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in the body, usually in the legs. Deep vein thrombosis can cause leg pain or swelling. Sometimes there are no noticeable symptoms.

You can get DVT if you have certain medical conditions that affect how the blood clots. A blood clot in the legs can also develop if you don't move for a long time. For example, you might not move a lot when traveling a long distance or when you're on bed rest due to surgery, an illness or an accident.

Deep vein thrombosis can be serious because blood clots in the veins can break loose. The clots can then travel through the bloodstream and get stuck in the lungs, blocking blood flow (pulmonary thromboembolism). When DVT and pulmonary embolism occur together, it's called venous thromboembolism (VTE).

WHAT ARE THE ENDOVASCULAR PLACEMENT AND RETRIEVAL OF AN IVC FILTER?

IVC filters are metal devices which are designed to be used in the inferior vena cava (IVC), the large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower half of the body back to the heart.

A pulmonary embolus is a blockage in the main artery of a lung. IVC filters can be used to prevent or manage pulmonary emboli and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).The shape of an IVC filter resembles that of an umbrella, and it functions in a similar way.

HOW DOES THE PROCEDURE WORK?

We insert a sheath into jugular or femoral vein. This sheath will guide the filter in the IVC. Once the position of filter is planned on fluoro-guidance by mapping the position of renal veins. The filter is deployed by pulling back the sheath. Once the purpose of filter is done, we usually remove the IVC filter.

WHY PERFORM IT?

There are a number of treatments available to manage or prevent pulmonary emboli and DVT, including conservative (medical) therapy, IVC filters, intravenous systemic thrombolysis, catheter thrombolysis and a surgical operation.

When patient is not responding to medical management or if there is contraindication to the medical management IVC filters are considered.

The suitability for this treatment depends on a number of factors, including how stable the blood pressure is and how well your heart is working.