My surgeon had an IVC (intra-vena cava) filter inserted in my main vein before surgery. He expected a 10 hr surgery and wanted it to catch any blood clots. It's a removable filter with a 6 week window for removal. Some people with clotting problems have permanent filters, but not me. I went in at the 5 week mark and it had started to attach itself to the vein. The doctor ended up using a larger catheter up the vein from the groin and still couldn't get it to flatten for removal. So a 2nd doctor ran a catheter down my jugular and they pulled from both ends to get it flat and basically "flossed" to get it loose and pull it out. I should have left outpatient 2 hrs later. But when I stood, blood poured out of the hole in my groin. They had me wait another 2 hours and same thing, my blood pressure plummeted and I almost passed out, so I spent the night in the hospital. That was Fri morning. It's midday Mon and it's still seeping slightly. I went back this morning for an ultrasound to be sure there was no venous damage, unusual clotting or internal bleeding. I'm fine, he attributes it to the big hole. How fun. My advice: if your doctor suggests an IVC filter, get it out asap!
Here's a pic of the filter:
http://www.stenting.ru/UserFiles/cava-filter.bmp
On another note, at 5 1/2 weeks post op I'm doing great otherwise!
Here's a pic of the filter:
http://www.stenting.ru/UserFiles/cava-filter.bmp
On another note, at 5 1/2 weeks post op I'm doing great otherwise!
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