 |
|
|
|
VASCULAR AND NON-VASCULAR
INTERVENTIONAL PROCEDURES
IVC Filter Placement
|
Placement of an IVC filter is a minor surgical procedure performed by an interventional radiologist to trap the blood clots in the inferior vena cava, which is the large vein that connects the leg veins with the heart. By preventing blood clots from passing into the heart and lungs, possible pulmonary embolism (clots in the lung arteries) can be prevented.
Patients may be sedated for the procedure, but often only local anesthesia is needed. The physician inserts a needle into a vein in the neck or groin to put a catheter into inferior vena cava. The catheter is carefully positioned under x-ray and an IVC filter is then inserted. Once the filter is placed, it opens up similar to an umbrella and immediately begins filtering all the blood going to the lungs from the legs. The filter can stay in place for life, or in younger, healthier patients it can be removed at a later date. The procedure usually takes less than an hour.
Key Advantages:
- Minimally invasive
- No need for general anesthesia
- No operating room needed
- Precise positioning by constant x-ray monitoring
- Shorter recovery time
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|