Question:
Is is possible to have a greenfield filter put in after surgery -

If someone does not have a history of blood clots and did not have a greenfield filter put in prior to surgery, but after surgery developed respiratory problems and had to be put on a ventilator for a week, and had to be taken off heparin shots because of internal bleeding, is it possible to insert a filter at that time to prevent the possibility of pulmonary embolisms?    — Hackett (posted on April 10, 2007)

April 10, 2007
It all depends upon what else is going on. I don't see why not. If the person had a history, my question would be "why wasn't a filter placed before surgery?"
   — anyce

April 10, 2007
Goodness. Such a question seems to be beyond the ability of lay persons to answer. Do you need to speak to a physician, or a malpractice attorney?
   — midaem

April 10, 2007
Greenfield filters are usually only placed when there is a known history of blood clots, they usually don't put them in as preventative, as far as I am aware... I may be mistaken. Either way, this is a question for your physician, surgeon, etc. not for this forum...
   — Kari_K

April 16, 2007
They are put in as preventative in some cases, and they can be put in after surgery, but if the person is on blood thinners or metformin they have to go off it for a few days from what I understand.
   — [Deactivated Member]