Greenfield Filter

Why would the Dr order a Greenfiled Filter? What is it?

Barb, first of all, you are in EXCELLENT hands! Saber will do what he feels is necessary for your care - and nothing less. I have a greenfield filter in, although I beat him to the punch and asked for one. It is used when they are concerned about your risk factor for blood clots. I don't have.... in fact never have had, problems with blood clots. I do however have a STRONG family history with this medical complication and I just didn't want to risk it. The group that Saber will send you to will do it the morning of your surgery. (I was given an option of the same day or a week before) I chose the same day because I didn't want to be knocked out 2x. They put it in then Saber did his thing. I didn't feel a thing and still don't. They do use a filter that can be removed at a later date. The actual filter they use is a Gunther Tulip Vena Cava filter. This filter is cone shaped and placed in your groin area. It has a hook on top (for later retreival) and 3 hooks that attack to the vein - holding it in place. This way, if a clot were to develop and break loose, the filter would catch it and prevent it from traveling and causing a pulmonary embolism. Sheryl (who thinks you picked a great surgeon) In the Zoo

i'm sure someone with more knowledge on this than I will fill you in with more details but in the meantime i'll mention that i've heard that they greatly reduce the chance of complications from blood clots during surgery. i'm not sure how they assess who is at risk but if they do, they put in the filter. i've also heard some surgeons do it to anyone over a certain weight. I've been told that it's a painless procedure and that people who've had them are usually glad they have.

see? while i was typing that someone did come along and fill you in with first hand knowledge on the filter. now don't i feel like a big dummy? yup. lol.

Well from experience, the only way it is a painless procedure is if you get a permanent one placed. I had to get a filter placed twice. On the first surgery, I had problems with removal. You can read my postings on my profile for the details...May 05 and Dec 05. Am so glad now though that I am "skinny" enough that I will never need another one ever again!! Yippie!!