Question:
Has anyone experienced the implantation of an ICV Filter prior to surgery?

{This is a filter that is implanted when you bmi exceeds 55...to help assist with blocking blood clots.} If so, please share with me your thoughts and and/or feelings as it relates to removal after surgery?    — shewill (posted on April 11, 2008)

April 11, 2008
I'm almost five years post-op RNY. I have the filter and my surgeon and PCP see no reason to remove it. Consult your surgeon to ask the question; in my case I could choose to remove it but see no need at this time to do so. Good Luck! Ed W.
   — Ed Wilczek

April 11, 2008
I had to have one placed. My surgery is scheduled for Monday, and I have prior clots in my lungs. My doc explained it this way...he said, "why would you have this major, invasive surgery, and keep the small chance that something drastic and life threatening could happen?! Let's be proactive!" I was actually more afraid of the filter procedure than the RNY I'm having! I've had the filter for almost 2 weeks, and the only problem I have is that the site where they injected it got infected. It's not a bad enough infection to halt surgery, it's just bothersome. If I had to do it again, though, I would. If it will help me in the long run, why not?!
   — Jayline T.

April 11, 2008
I have the filter. My surgery was Feb. 28th of this year and after talking to my doctor I seen no reason to have it removed. Its not like I know its there and if by chance it gives me problems they can remove it then.
   — Fieryone

April 11, 2008
I had to have one because of a history of clots in my leg, and it's a very quick and simlpe procedure, Sheila. It's a day procedure (really in-and-out!). They start an intravenous line (IV), put you on a heart monitor and give you some oxygen via a nasal cannula, give you a mile sedative and pain medication through the IV, make a small incision either in your neck or groin (mine was in my neck), thread a small catheter through the incision, then insert the filter under fluroscopy. Then they do x-rays to confirm placement. I only felt some mild pressure as they were working. The filters are designed so they can be removed if that's what you and your doctor want (it can't stay in more than 2 or 3 months), or can be permanent. Mine was originally going to be temporary, but the approval process for the gastric surgery is taking longer than expected and I also need other major surgery once I recover from WLS, so mine's now going to stay in. There's some discomfort after, but all I needed was Tylenol for it. If you have any other questions please feel free to e-mail me at [email protected].
   — obeseforever

April 11, 2008
I had a IVC put in in January 2006 due to Pulmonary Embolism and it was a permanent one and that was step that didn't have to do in my upcoming weight loss surgery. I will always have it and it doesn't bother me. I really don't know I have one. I have recurring blood clots and it is a protection for me and I am very proud to have it. It didn't take very long to insert it. It is a lifesaving tool and if that what it takes then I am okay with it. Having it removed is something that I can't relate too because mine is lifelong.
   — dyates2948