July 30, 2011
What You Need To Know About An IVC Filter
Posted by: Latest Medicine Articles : Category: Uncategorized
A medical device which is placed into the inferior vena cava to reduce the possibility of a person to suffer from pulmonary embolism is called an IVC filter. This is put into the proper place with the help of a catheter, and it's commonly performed on an outpatient procedure. A vascular surgeon or an interventional radiologist may perform such.
The device is made from very thin wires, having a mesh-like structure which resembles an umbrella. It's designed that way to be able to catch blood clot coming from the lower portion of the body, preventing it from getting into the heart or lungs. Some designs are permanent so they don't have to be taken out afterwards. Others are temporary or retrievable, capable of being removed in place even after a long period of time.
There are various reasons why an individual has to be implanted with the device. One is when anticoagulants fail to work. Anticoagulants are medications which thin the blood and prevent it from clotting. Likewise, it can also dissolve clots. Another reason is when intake of anticoagulants isn't recommendable, such as when certain conditions are around.
It's possible that anticoagulants may not work on large clots. This is the time when someone with such is advised to get an implant. A doctor may recommend a person who has recently went through trauma like pelvic fracture or head injury to have it as well. Likewise, anyone who has suffered from deep vein thrombosis once and at high risk of developing pulmonary embolism is also a candidate to get implanted.
Keeping blood clot out of the lungs is very important. During instances of pulmonary embolism, blood supply in the lungs is cut off. It's for this reason why someone suffering from this medical condition may have chest pain, labored breathing, bluish skin due to deprivation of oxygen, and fainting. It can also be fatal, causing the individual to die.
The device is placed into the inferior vena cava through some large veins in the body. They include the femoral (groin), jugular (neck) and basilic (arm) veins. Inserted into any of these is a catheter, a thin rubber tube. The device is pushed into this catheter, guided by the use of a Doppler ultrasound. Fluoroscopic guidance, or x-ray, may also be used when contrast dye is injected before the procedure.
Originally it was through surgical means that such procedure is done. But thanks to design changes, vascular surgeons or interventional radiologists can put it in place via a catheter. Usually, local anesthesia is used, although it's possible that the individual may also be given drugs to relieve anxiety. Sometimes, general anesthesia may be used instead.
Again, it may be left in place or retrieved after some time, depending on its design. A temporary IVC filter is different from a permanent one in such a way that a small knob or hook is found on one end. It's also capable of collapsing. Because of these features, a temporary one may be safely taken out of the inferior vena cava via a catheter. But this may also be allowed to remain in place.
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To find more information about IVC filter come to our website.
Source: http://www.articletrader.com
The device is made from very thin wires, having a mesh-like structure which resembles an umbrella. It's designed that way to be able to catch blood clot coming from the lower portion of the body, preventing it from getting into the heart or lungs. Some designs are permanent so they don't have to be taken out afterwards. Others are temporary or retrievable, capable of being removed in place even after a long period of time.
There are various reasons why an individual has to be implanted with the device. One is when anticoagulants fail to work. Anticoagulants are medications which thin the blood and prevent it from clotting. Likewise, it can also dissolve clots. Another reason is when intake of anticoagulants isn't recommendable, such as when certain conditions are around.
It's possible that anticoagulants may not work on large clots. This is the time when someone with such is advised to get an implant. A doctor may recommend a person who has recently went through trauma like pelvic fracture or head injury to have it as well. Likewise, anyone who has suffered from deep vein thrombosis once and at high risk of developing pulmonary embolism is also a candidate to get implanted.
Keeping blood clot out of the lungs is very important. During instances of pulmonary embolism, blood supply in the lungs is cut off. It's for this reason why someone suffering from this medical condition may have chest pain, labored breathing, bluish skin due to deprivation of oxygen, and fainting. It can also be fatal, causing the individual to die.
The device is placed into the inferior vena cava through some large veins in the body. They include the femoral (groin), jugular (neck) and basilic (arm) veins. Inserted into any of these is a catheter, a thin rubber tube. The device is pushed into this catheter, guided by the use of a Doppler ultrasound. Fluoroscopic guidance, or x-ray, may also be used when contrast dye is injected before the procedure.
Originally it was through surgical means that such procedure is done. But thanks to design changes, vascular surgeons or interventional radiologists can put it in place via a catheter. Usually, local anesthesia is used, although it's possible that the individual may also be given drugs to relieve anxiety. Sometimes, general anesthesia may be used instead.
Again, it may be left in place or retrieved after some time, depending on its design. A temporary IVC filter is different from a permanent one in such a way that a small knob or hook is found on one end. It's also capable of collapsing. Because of these features, a temporary one may be safely taken out of the inferior vena cava via a catheter. But this may also be allowed to remain in place.
--
To find more information about IVC filter come to our website.
Source: http://www.articletrader.com
