When blood clots form in the deep veins of your legs, they can break loose and travel up to your lungs, causing a potentially life-threatening condition known as pulmonary embolism. At the Orange County Interventional Radiology Center in Lake Forest, Irvine and Mission Viejo, our interventional radiology specialists offer IVC filter placement and removal as an effective solution for patients at risk of developing these dangerous clots.
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IVC Filter Placement and Removal
What Is an IVC Filter?
An inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is a small, basket-like device placed in the large vein that carries oxygen-depleted blood from your lower body back to your heart. This tiny implant is designed to catch blood clots before they reach your lungs, significantly reducing your risk of pulmonary embolism while allowing normal blood flow to continue.
When Is an IVC Filter Needed?
IVC filters are typically recommended for patients who:
- Cannot take blood-thinning medications due to other health conditions
- Have experienced pulmonary embolism despite being on anticoagulant therapy
- Are high risk for developing blood clots during surgery or following trauma
- Have large, unstable blood clots that could dislodge and travel to the lungs
- Need temporary protection during periods when anticoagulation must be interrupted, such as surgery
How Does IVC Filter Placement Work?
IVC filter placement is a minimally invasive procedure performed by our interventional radiologists. Using advanced imaging technology, a thin catheter is guided through a small incision in your neck or groin to the inferior vena cava. The filter is then deployed through the catheter and secured in place. The entire procedure takes about 30-60 minutes to complete and requires only local anesthesia, allowing you to return home the same day with minimal recovery time.
How Does IVC Filter Removal Work?
Many IVC filters are designed to be temporary and should be removed when they’re no longer needed. Leaving filters in place long-term can lead to complications such as filter migration, fracture or penetration through the vein wall. At the Orange County Interventional Radiology Center, our specialists perform IVC filter removal using minimally invasive techniques, retrieving the device through a small catheter when your risk of blood clots has diminished.
What to Expect During Treatment
Before your procedure, our physicians will thoroughly evaluate your medical history and discuss your specific needs.During treatment, you’ll experience minimal discomfort as we use local anesthesia and advanced imaging to precisely place or remove your IVC filter. After the procedure, most patients can resume normal activities within 24 hours, with only minor restrictions on heavy lifting for a short period.
IVC Filter Placement and Removal Recovery
IVC filter placement and removal involve minimal recovery or downtime. Immediately after your procedure, you’ll be transferred into a recovery room, where our team will monitor your vitals and check for signs of problems. You’ll be discharged later the same day with detailed aftercare instructions. Most patients only experience mild bruising or soreness at the treatment site and are able to resume normal activities within 24 hours.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
At the Orange County Interventional Radiology Center, our team has years of specialized experience in vascular procedures. We proudly serve patients throughout Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, and Irvine with the most advanced technology and techniques available. Our approach combines expert care with a commitment to patient comfort and rapid recovery.
Ready to learn more about IVC filter placement or removal? Contact us today at (949) 317-1633 to schedule your consultation with our experienced team. We’re committed to providing you with exceptional care and personalized treatment options that meet your specific needs.
Our Locations
Three Locations, One Commitment: Your Care
Lake Forest
29300 Portola Parkway, Suite B
Lake Forest, CA 92630
Toll Free: (800) 267-5677
Hours of Operation
Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Mission Viejo
26921 Crown Valley Parkway, #120
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Toll Free: (800) 267-5677
Hours of Operation
Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Irvine
18102 Sky Park Circle South, Suite D
Irvine, CA 92614
Toll Free: (800) 267-5677
Hours of Operation
Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
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