Vena cava filters are used to catch blood clots from the veins in the legs and prevent them from going to the lungs (causing a pulmonary embolism).  It is a metallic device that looks like an umbrella, and is usually used if medical management of blood clots is inadequate.  

Pre-Operative Details:

Your surgeon will give specific instructions before the surgery, including risks (i.e. bleeding, infection, etc.).  Please make sure to contact your insurance company for coverage.  You will also meet with the anesthesiologist prior to the surgery to go over your medical history.  Please do not eat after midnight the night before your surgery.  On the day of surgery, you will arrive at the hospital, get registered, and get changed into a hospital gown.  A nurse will then review your chart to make sure there are no problems and then get all the paperwork in order for surgery.  The anesthesiologist will then start an IV and you will be taken to the operating room, where the surgeon will verify your name and procedure before any medication is given.  Once you are under anesthesia, surgery will begin.

Operative Details:

The procedure can either be done with general anesthesia or a local anesthetic with muscle relaxant the insertion site (arm/neck/groin).  The surgeon makes an incision and inserts the collapsed filter into the vessel through a catheter that acts like a portal between the skin and the vessel itself.  The surgeon then will advance the filter to the inferior vena cava, deploy the filter, and then remove the catheter.  Then, the surgeon will close off the incision.

Post-Operative Details:

After the surgery, you will be taken to the post-operative/recovery area and be monitored until the doctor is assured that the filter is properly placed.  It is important to keep the incision areas clean and dry.  The length of your hospital stay depends on how quickly you are able to recover and perform some physical activity.  If you experience fevers, severe pain, redness/swelling/warmth where the incisions were made, or drainage from the incisions, please let your doctor know immediately.