Anyone have the IVC Filter placement before surgery?

Hello everyone! My fiance was told Monday that before RNY surgery he would have to get the IVC Filter to prevent any blood clots going to his heart during and after surgery. Has anyone else had this? He is very nervous about this filter. I would like to ease his mind on the issue.

Did it hurting while having it placed? Was it painful when removed? Any information is appreciated.

Thanks

hi there, I am Lisa, I had surgery 15 months ago, and I had the filter, I was nervous also, but let me tell you, it was no big deal at all, they gave me pain meds to bring home, I never used the first one, they went through my thigh to do mine, it was a short procedure and was painless. they put me to sleep, but it didn't take long at all. I still have mine they don't remove it as far as I know. 
   hope this helps,
                                              Lisa

I am planning on having the filter put in as long as my insurance will cover it.  I have a family history of blood clots and don't want to take any chances!  My understanding is that it's an outpatient procedure, similar to a heart cath.  I'm not worried about it.

It's really minor compared to the RYN itself.

Hi Shea,

I had to have an IVC filter before surgery as well.  I went through Vascular and Interventional Assoc. here in Northern Ky to get mine and it was placed through my neck as an outpatient procedure at the hospital.  The procedure itself took only about 1/2 hour....maybe a little longer.  I was given happy meds so I really don't know for sure!   

Afterward, I had to stick around the hospital for an hour or so to make sure I was okay and then sent home with instructions to take ibuprofen for pain.   My neck was a little sore....and the meds made me sleepy the rest of the afternoon, but I was fine by the next day.  

I then had it removed 3 months later.  Pretty much the same procedure....just in reverse!  

Honestly, it wasn't bad at all.  I was awake because it was done under fluoroscopy and they'd ask me at times to hold my breath so they could then take x-rays to check the positioning, etc.  I did feel some movement as it was wiggled down through me....but it wasn't painful.    The hardest part was having to keep my head turned all the way to the left for that amount of time without moving.  Why is it, as soon as they tell you not to move.....you get an itch! 

What I'm not sure about is if it'll be the same type of filter, etc since Dr. S is now in Georgetown and will be using a different group of vascular docs down there.  But whatever way they choose (neck or groin) and whatever filter (permanent or removable) ....its a fairly easy procedure to go through. 

Thank you all for your info!

I had my surgery 15 mths ago and had the filter put in and i still have it.
They went in thru my neck and it was painless for me and they told me to take tylenol i had to stay around for alittle while after the procedure,but it was a great decision on my surgeons part.We left it in because i knew i was going to need my panni removed.Also i had never had clots or anything and am so glad Dr.Tom had one put in cause i did pass a clot and because of the filter had no problems and im fine now,so tell him it is a very wise idea exspecially if he is severly obese or has a history of clots.Good luck and if i can help please let me know.

I had a vena cava filter placed via my groin a few weeks before my gastric bypass.  It was so much easier than I expected.  I had absolutely no pain - never had to take even a tylenol afterwards.  I was asleep for the whole thing and stayed about an hour or so afterwards.  The type I had was permanent and will not be removed. 

It's really a safety precaution and I am glad I had mine put in - it was a choice I could choose or not and I decided to be on the safe side and have it inserted because I weighed over 400 lbs and am in my 50's.   

Tell your fiance it really is no big deal at all - I'd rather do that than have my teeth cleaned!  lol

Hugs,
Cindy

I had a temporary vena cava filter placed before my lap-band surgery and removed a few weeks after.  It was an outpatient procedure.  I was awake and aware and felt no pain either time.  The hardest part was having to lie flat for a few hours after the procedure (to minimize the risk of bleeding).

The filter is a teeny little thing like a wire cage and it's collapsed inside of a needle when it goes in and out.

Jean