Vena Cava filter - ThinnerTimes

Ohmomm · 05-25-2006, 06:30 AM

I'm been reading posts for a few months now and as I get closer to getting my surgery date, (hopefully in early July), I was wondering if anyone has had a temporary filter put in the vena cava (sp?) to filter blood clots. I have a history of DVT and actually had a pulmonary embolism 9 years ago. Because of that, Kelly (Dr. Callery's office) has encouraged me to have this filter. I've seen my pulmonary doctor and he's ordered some additional tests

, but he really didn't have too much info.
Can anyone help me out?

Thanks for the support and all the good information this forum supplies.

lealphachienne · 05-25-2006, 08:52 AM

It's a common recommendation when undergoing any type of surgery if you have a hx of DVTs. It's a relatively simple procedure and some are removable. Here's a link

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inferior_vena_cava_filter

Ohmomm · 05-25-2006, 10:51 AM

Thanks so much for the reassurance and information link.
I don't know of any downside to having the filter, on the
surface it makes perfect sense. I'm just wondering if there
are any negatives. My PCP voiced a concern to Kelly that a
permanent one might restrict blood flow to my leg and
negatively affect the circulation. From the link you sent,
it sounds like the temporary filter needs to be removed
within three weeks. I wonder if that gets me past the DVT
risk stage. I am on blood thinners and will be my entire life.

Again, thanks for the info. I look forward to getting to know
you better. Especially since we are in the same neck of the
woods.

Gina in NY · 05-26-2006, 07:36 PM

At my surgeon's seminar he talked about them and said it was "very simple". He's used them whenever necessary.

The closest thing to anything negative was when he said they have a "less than one percent failure rate". Sounds like good odds to me!

Should be no problem - but as always - if you have questions, call your surgeon and demand answers.

Duckie · 05-26-2006, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lealphachienne

It's a common recommendation when undergoing any type of surgery if you have a hx of DVTs. It's a relatively simple procedure and some are removable. Here's a link

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inferior_vena_cava_filter

What she said! They really are nothing to be afraid of.