Question:
If you have to have this greenfield filter inserted, can it ever be damaged?

Does the patient get to choose where it goes? (neck or groin)    — Kathy G. (posted on July 26, 2002)

July 26, 2002
I recently had one of these installed, after worrying about blood clots for years. Have had 2 episodes of DVT in my left leg. I don't technically know 100% that one of these couldn't be damaged, but I find it hard to see how you could possibly damage one. It goes in the Vena Cava, which is pretty well protected. The filter itself is a very simple device, and doesn't really look like a filter per say. Look at http://www.greenfieldfilter.com/ you can read all about how it functions and how the surgeon places it. My surgeon went in through the groin area and didn't give me any options on how the surgery was performed. It was a pretty painless outpatient surgery that only took about 1 hour to do. I can tell you this... I went to my recent RNY with a -lot- more peace of mind knowing that this filter was in me, and would catch any potentially leathal clots.
   — Greg P.

July 26, 2002
My husband had a Greenfield filter placed before his lap RNY due to a prior history of blood clots. The web site that Greg mentioned provides excellent information. It would be nearly impossible for the filter to be "damaged", but it theoretically is possible for it to become blocked with clots over time. However, that is a rare occurrence. My husband said that the procedure was painless....it was an outpatient procedure and he was given some IV sedation which helped him be completely unaware of the whole thing. The cardiovascular radiologist who performed the procedure told him that he would make the decision about neck versus groin at the time of the procedure. Since my husband was so obese at the time, the groin provided a much easier access. If they had been able to use the neck, he could have come home immediately. At our hospital, all groin access patients must stay on "bedrest" for 4 hours in an observation unit, simply as a precautionary measure because there is more risk of post-procedure bleeding following a groin access. He was grumpy after having to lie completely flat and still for 4 hours, but other than that had no problems whatsoever. He had a lap RNY one month later, and now is happily at goal, 17 months post-op....with no more fears about blood clots in his future. Good luck!
   — Diana T.