Does everyone have to get one of these before surgery? (Vena Cava Filter) A board I follow on FB for Stanford has a bunch of people getting these. Confused & a little freaked out (frankly). Thanks.

hi, no, i can't imagine that they would make this standard of care pre-op. it is an invasive procedure in itself. Only if a pt had a blood clot would this be placed is my understanding.

Nope, IVC filters are usually only indicated for those with prior history of DVT.

DVT???

My Dr does them if your BMI is over 51, as he feel you are at a higher risk for clots.

DVT = Deep venous thrombosis.

The filter is placed to prevent any clots in the legs from breaking off and traveling to the lungs. I could see this as a pre op option for someone with a clotting factor, but standard pre op seems excessive. I would ask their thought process on it for you if it doesn't make sense to you.

Thanks you guys. Feel better & more informed now!

Trust the doc with this blood clots can happen months after your surgery u do not WANT ANY possibility regarding this. My doc prescribes shots after surgery to all his patients. I would if they did not give it to u.

I actually will probably need one placed so I've been told. I find out at my pre op appointment the week before surgery (November 6th) the nurse practitioner told me I will most likey need one given my BMI is over 50 (mine is 58 ) and I have sleep apnea. I'm nervous for this, but I don't want a blood clot so it's the lesser of two evils.

They didn't used to have IVC filters that are removable, but they do now, so that's nice.

I have a clotting mutation where my blood clots more than normal..and my bmi is over 50...I am only getting shots..I asked my blood doctor about a filter and he said no...your doctor wants youbto have a filter??...I think ibshould have one too..it this among other things makes me think my doctor doesn't take precautions ..he also said I can go home same day..wth

Have either of you looked into risk factors of having the filter placed?

I hve had a filter placed since 2008. When it comes to clots the risk factor is not taking precaution. My doc was going to put a temp filter in me until he read I had already had one. But I still hve to hve blood thinners after surgery like all his patients. Be blessed

I have a clotting mutation where my blood clots more than normal..and my bmi is over 50...I am only getting shots..I asked my blood doctor about a filter and he said no...your doctor wants youbto have a filter??...I think ibshould have one too..it this among other things makes me think my doctor doesn't take precautions ..he also said I can go home same day..wth

I think it really depends on the doctor. If you're concerned about I would talk to him and ask why he doesn't think you need one, if you're worried maybe request one.

And sunshyne, I have looked into the risks, that was the first things I did when I found out I needed one. Honestly I was freaked out at first. I have a vein phobia and the thought of something going in my vein, it still really freaks me out- but at the same time I also am taking this seriously. I definitly do NOT want a blood clot, that scares me more. I was reading it was relativly safe as long as they are taken out with in 30 days after. I saw they were often done in larger patients, so I'm sure that unless a patient has a BMI over 50 and another risk factor they wouldn't need one.

Good good. Glad you looked into it. I know this is good info for people to have. I knew there were less risks then the permanent ones, but wasn't sure exact figures. I was going to ask the IR docs at work today, but totally forgot.

They do a lot of these filters now for people who still have DVTs in their legs after diagnosis of Pulmonary embolism. So, they have lots of practice placing and removing them. I'm sure you will be in good hands.

Well good news for me I had my pre op today and saw the surgeon and he said I didn't need an IVC filter so yay for that! I was preparing myself for it and turns out I didn't need it anyway whoohoo!