Has anyone had a Green field filter? How was it when they put it in?

I never had one Pam . But wanted to help you best I could . I googled this off the internet . I hope this helps you some . An inferior vena cava filter, also IVC filter a type of vascular filter, is a medical device that is implanted into the inferior vena cava to prevent pulmonary emboli (PEs). IVC filters are used in case of contraindication to anticoagulation, failure of anticoagulation or complication to anticoagulation in patients who have a venous thromboembolism disease or in a prophylatic use for patients with high risk of pulmonary embolism. Placement IVC filters are placed endovascularly, meaning that they are inserted via the blood vessels. Historically, IVC filters could only be placed via the groin. With modern filters which can be compressed into much thinner catheters, however, access to the venous system can be obtained either via the femoral vein (the large vein in the groin) or the internal jugular vein (the large vein in the neck.) Choice of route depends mainly on the amount and location of blood clot within the venous system. To place the filter, a catheter is guided into the IVC using fluoroscopic guidance, then the filter is pushed through the catheter and deployed into the desired location, usually just below the junction of the IVC and the lowest renal vein. [edit] Retrieval Most IVC filters are permanent, but some filters are now available that are "retrievable." Retrievable filters are fitted with some sort of device (that varies from model to model) that allows them to be pulled back into a catheter (technically a "sheath") and removed from the body. In general, filters must have been in the IVC for less than three weeks to attempt retrieval, as filters that have been in place longer will be overgrown by cells from the IVC wall and there is increased risk of IVC injury if the filter is dislodged. [edit] IVC filters

Two weeks ago, when I was in the waiting room for my surgery, JoAnn overheard someone in the lounge who was there for a filter placement prior to WLS. This was at UVa where you are also going to be I understand. This surgery is not particularly rare, but it seems like wer here about them in spurts. and Pam, are you Shannon's friend whom I have already met? Lois

I had a Greenfield filter put in place the day before lap band surgery. It was a fairly simple procedure done under local anesthesia. The only complication I had was the fact that my arteries presented a problem. They curl and turn so the filter had to be withdrawn from my neck and inserted through the groin. I was awake and aware but had no pain.

Pamalou: I had an IVC filter inserted before my WLS due to having Venous Stasis in my legs. I had it done here at my local hospital, Augusta Medical Center in Fishersville Va. From what I remember, They inserted it through my neck and down into the IVC. I had no discomfort with the procedure at all and was back to work on Monday(had it done on Friday). We left filter in permanently due to possibility of needing plastics but there are filters that they can take remove in a few weeks. Please consult your doctor as to which he/she prefers. I have had no trouble with the permanent one at all. I hope this helps and if you have any more questions, pease ask away. Have a great day. Jeff Byrd 373 to 222 as of 11-29-06