Question:
I was just wondering how it feels to have the filter put in to block blood clots

I have to have the filter put in because my bloodwork came back that I have a blood clotting factor which increases my chances for blood clots by at least 8%. Does the filter stay in forever? How long before surgery is it put in? Does this prevent blood clots from going to the brain, heart and lungs all the way?    — Hilkerrt (posted on January 3, 2010)

January 3, 2010
Most filters are temporary,some are permanent. In most cases the filter comes out when your risk of blood clots is diminished. Meaning that when you are up and about walking, moving around. Clots tend to form in the legs when we are just laying around doing nothing, but clots can form anywhere.So walking post/op is crucial. The filter can be put in a couple of weeks or a couple of days before your surgery. Your surgeon will make the arrangements. The filter placement is usually done as an outpatient. Filters break down larger clots so our body can manage them, it helps prevent clots from going to the lungs, heart and brain. The filter is placed in the inferior vena cava below the renal veins. (In english under your belly button and a little to the right). I suggest you look the procedure up online at WebMD. The Dr. who places the filter should sit down and explain it to you. Filter placement is a procedure I'm involved in almost everyday. Please ask questions of the Dr. placing your filter, every Dr. is different. I hope this helps.
   — Nurseducky

January 3, 2010
Dawn, I didn't answer your question on how it feels to have a filter placed. I don't know where or who is placing your filter. I can tell you what we do. Our patients have an IV started and are given light sedation. Numbing medicine is used at the procedure site. The site can be right or left groin (where your leg meets you hip) or the right jugular. (neck vein) 97% of the time we go thru the groin. Most people sleep thru the 20 to 30 min procedure and go home several hours later. You will not feel the filter once it is placed. Again I hope this helps but be sure to ask the Dr. who will be placing it. Remember there are NO dumb questions when it comes to your health.
   — Nurseducky

January 3, 2010
It really isn't a big deal. A few pinches from the numbing medicine and they put something to relax you in the IV. There was no pain other than that, and there was almost nothing to it for the healing. My filter is designed to be kept in place permanently - though it would be nice to have it removed someday. Then again, it would be even nicer to get off of coumadin someday. Having had blood clots in my leg and in my lungs - the filter is DEFINITELY better than clots! You'll be fine, it's no big deal. Good luck!
   — Diane324

January 4, 2010
I had one done before my RNY. It wasn't a big deal. More scary before, but it wasn't anything that I should have been concerned about. Just a little pinching around the injection site. I did find out I was allergic to the dye, but some Benadryl helped that out.
   — Mike T.

January 4, 2010
I had an IVC filter put in 2 weeks before surgery, I didn't have any pain, and was awake during the procedure. The worst part was having to remain absolutely still for several hours following surgery. The filter I have is good for 25 years. I do have to carry a card with me, as I was told that it might set off alarms when I go through security at the airport.
   — KathieV