IVC filter removal
Your inferior vena cava (IVC) is your body’s largest vein. If you have deep vein thrombosis, but can’t take blood thinners, your doctor may recommend placing a filter in your IVC. This tiny device stops blood clots from reaching your lungs, where they could cause trouble breathing.
When you no longer need the blood clot filter, a doctor will remove it to prevent side effects of the device.
Preparing for your procedure
Your doctor and an interventional radiologist will determine if your inferior vena cava filter needs to be removed. An interventional radiologist uses imaging technology to perform minimally invasive procedures, which don’t use a large incision. That means you feel less pain as you recover and can return to your daily activities sooner.
Don’t eat or drink anything the evening before the procedure.
Day of filter removal
After you come to Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, you’ll:
-
Change into a hospital gown
-
Receive an intravenous (IV) line for fluids and medications
-
Meet your interventional radiologist to discuss the procedure
-
Go to the procedure suite, where your care team will attach sensors to monitor your vital signs and give you conscious sedation (medicine to relax you and prevent pain)
Removing an IVC filter
An interventional radiologist will then:
-
Place a soft, thin tube called a catheter into the vein in your neck
-
Move the catheter to the site of the IVC filter under X-ray guidance
-
Remove the filter through your neck vein
-
Withdraw the catheter and cover the incision with a dressing
Your care team will monitor you as you recover from sedation. Then, you’ll return home.
After the procedure
Take over-the-counter pain relievers if you feel discomfort in your neck. The pain should go away in a few days.
Follow-up care
You don’t need any follow-up care after IVC filter removal.
