IVC filters and their Post-Medical Complications
Greenfield Vena Cava Filter is a small medical device which is used for the prevention of pulmonary embolism with the placement of vena cava. Simply put, Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters are used for patients who are at the risk of blood clots but cannot take anticoagulants (blood thinners). The filters are used to prevent the rising blood clot before it reaches any organ.
The vena cava is the largest vein in the human body. The purpose of the inferior vena cava, that is the lower portion of the vein is to carry the deoxygenated blood from the lower part of the body to the heart. In some bodies, the risk of blood clot formation, especially around the legs and thighs is a common phenomenon and is known as deep vein thromboses (DVTs). These clots, if not prevented from flowing in the blood stream can reach the lungs and cause pulmonary embolism, which is the name for the blockage in the artery in the lungs and eventually can prove fatal.
To prevent any such serious health issue, the IVC filters are prescribed but they too have some major post-operative issues.
Symptoms of possible Greenfield filter complications are:
Abdominal or Back Pain — a malfunctioning IVC filter can come up with varying symptoms from heart rhythm problems to asymptomatic complications. But, the most commonly occurring signs of an IVC filter migration is severe abdominal and back pain. As a part of a support rod of the Greenfield filter breaks off, it starts traveling throughout the blood vessels and finally settling in any organ not intended to be located at. Sometimes, such pain can correlate with specific bodily movements which would call for the immediate attention of the doctor.
Continuous pain in lower extremities — as the IVC filters are associated with prevention of blood clots in the legs and pelvis region, any pain in the thighs and legs can be interpreted as one of the Greenfield filter complications. In case of extreme pain, do not rule out the chance of IVC penetration or strut migration. Painfully swollen legs are a potential symptom that the filter has become clogged when the patient should not delay contacting the primary care provider.
Pain in the cardiac region — patients with IVC filters must consult their physician immediately if there is any sign of:
- neck pain
- chest pain
- lightheadedness
- shortness of breath
- nausea
- unusually higher heart rate
- confusion
FDA’s website states that the agency has received numerous adverse event reports regarding Greenfield filter complications, of which the common ones are:
- filter fracture, blood clot filter migration
- embolization (where a part of the filter or the entire filter has moved from its intended location)
- perforation of IVC
- difficulty in removing the filter
- organ damage due to detachment of the filter
Precaution
For younger patients, whose life expectancy is substantially higher than the filter, a relative contraindication would exist. If there are any anatomical anomalies or other factors which might lead to complicated insertion, the insertion technique would be altered.
There are still some limitations in the retrospective design of the retrievable filters; for instance, it is likely to result in the underestimation of asymptomatic complications. To get the optimal results, it is necessary to track and follow the patients who receive retrievable filters to determine the significance of the device and how to lower its complications.