The inferior vena cava is a huge vein in the abdomen that functions to transport blood back into the heart from the lower limbs and extremities. An inferior vena cava filter is a kind of filter for the vascular system or the body's blood vessels that is implanted by professionals such as a vascular surgeon or an interventional radiologist deep into the inferior vena cava in order to keep at bay any serious pulmonary embolism. The filter is the shape of a miniature umbrella.
The effectiveness of an inferior vena cava filter as well as its safety profile, have been well established. Inferior vena cava filters are of two types- temporary or permanent. The decision to go for either type of filter depends on the underlying conditions. Inferior vena cava filters are generally suggested for patients who cannot undergo therapy with blood-thinning drugs or are at a higher risk of developing a condition called DVT or deep vein thrombosis along with PE or pulmonary embolism. The entire process of inferior vena cava implantation is done under x-rays, where a tube is inserted from the neck or the groin to the inferior vena cava, where the filter is eventually placed.
When Is Inferior Vena Cava Implantation Suggested?
IVC or Inferior vena cava filters are suggested in patients with a long history of blood clots in the lower extremities, especially the legs. Other than this, there are many conditions that make a candidate the right choice for implanting an inferior vena cava filter.
A few of them are mentioned below,
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Deep vein thrombosis.
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Pulmonary embolism.
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Physical trauma.
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Immobile patients.
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History of blood clots.
What Are the Risks of Inferior Vena Cava Filter Implantation?
Risks are a part of any given medical treatment, regardless of whether it is invasive or non-invasive in nature.
Mentioned below are a few risks involved in the implantation of an inferior vena cava filter.
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Infection at the site of entry of the tube.
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Allergic reaction to the contrast dye used during the implantation.
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Damage to blood vessels.
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Bruising at the site of puncture.
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Uncontrolled bleeding at the site of puncture.
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Lodgment of the inferior vena cava filter at an undesirable location.
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Injury to nearby tissues and organs.
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Flowing of certain parts of the inferior vena cava filter in the bloodstream goes to the heart or lungs.
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Swelling of the legs.
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An increase in blood clots around the inferior vena cava filter.
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The inferior vena cava filter is stuck at a position.
How Does the Procedure of Inferior Vena Cava Filter Implantation Take Place?
Before suggesting an inferior vena cava filter implant, the healthcare provider may advise several diagnostic tests in order to evaluate the functions of vital organs, chiefly the kidneys. The patient should inform the healthcare provider about their detailed medical history, drug history, recent hospitalization, pregnancies, and allergies. The patient will be asked to stop eating or drinking by midnight. On the day of the procedure, clear fluids may be allowed. The radiologist gives adjustments to insulin. Mentioned below are the steps that occur while implanting a filter in the inferior vena cava.
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An x-ray machine is kept ready that will guide the entire procedure.
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A tube, also called a catheter, is then inserted into the body.
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The site of insertion of this tube is either the neck, the upper leg, or the groin.
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The selected site is cleaned, and the catheter is inserted into the vein.
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The catheter is then advanced through the abdomen into the inferior vena cava under the guidance of the x-rays.
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A contrast material such as a contrast dye is inserted into the vein to examine the vein from accurate positioning of the inferior vena cava filter.
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Once the location is determined, the inferior vena cava filter is lodged into the vein.
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The filter is then released and allowed to expand.
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The inferior vena cava filter then latches onto the walls of the blood vessel.
Depending on the condition and severity of the blood clots, the healthcare provider may suggest a temporary inferior vena cava filter or a permanent inferior vena cava filter. A temporary inferior vena cava filter has a small hook at the end that allows it to be caught by the catheter and pulled out of the body in case the inferior vena cava filter is placed for a temporary function. The entire procedure gets over in approximately sixty minutes. The patient is advised to inform about any discomfort or uneasiness after the procedure is completed. Nevertheless, any risk or complications after placement of an inferior vena cava filter is highly rare.
Conclusion
The inferior vena cava is an important blood vessel of the body that brings blood back into the heart, mainly from the lower limbs. At times, this blood vessel may form clots and hamper the smooth flow of blood. This is generally observed in patients suffering from pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis. An inferior vena cava filter is a tiny umbrella-shaped filter that is inserted into the inferior vena cava through a puncture made at the groin or the neck. A catheter is inserted, and the filter is placed. The patient can have the filter for a few days or permanently, based on the decision made by the healthcare provider on several factors.
