Pulmonary Embolism Support Group

By far the most common form of pulmonary embolism is a thromboembolism, which occurs when a blood clot, generally a venous thrombus, becomes dislodged from its site of formation and embolizes to the arterial blood supply of one of the lungs. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, pain during breathing, and more rarely circulatory instability and death.

1,102 Members
7,473 Posts
0 Online
Lungs & Respiration
/ Pulmonary Embolism Support Group

IVC FILTERS

NWHUNTER
NWHUNTER
I was just wondering if any of you with IVC filters have had any problems? I have had one since 2009. I now see all the commercials for class action lawsuits against IVC manufacturers. I am wondering what kind of experiences you have had with various IVC filters. I am also on coumadin and with seeing the commercials now about the other two blood thinners I am thinking I should just stay on the coumadin. My doctor recommends the same. I have a non retrievable IVC filter and I'm told I should be on anticoagulants for the rest of my life. I am 39 now, I was 33 when it happened. It was never determined what caused the blood clots and saddle pulmonary embolism. If anybody has any new insight it would be much appreciated. Thanks, Dave
rmb
rmb
I have had a non retrievable filter since 2007, and it was inserted while in the hospital with my PEs. Actually it was intended that I not be on warfarin long term, but since I got another DVT after coming off warfarin, I went back on warfarin for life.

I've had no issues with the filter. Given the size and severity of my clots, I think the filter was more a risk/benefit thing: potential benefits outweighed the potential risks.

I would keep all the lawsuit stuff in perspective. Those attorneys are ambulance chasing and exploiting people's fears. But you have to do what makes sense to you.
moonmarked
moonmarked
I just got a call from one of those lawyers, someone from a medic alert bracelet company sold my info and some others to them in a list. I got my IVC june 2014. A Denali thats supposed to be retrievable. My Doctor said it was safe to leave in for life.

I posted about this on the DVT board. ( lucky me I had clots in both legs and most of my right lung). After calling my doctor today I feel alot better about the filter. And that the lawyers are simply trying to rake in some money
jeremy1999
jeremy1999
I don't want to sound like I support lawsuits, but I know someone on one of the Facebook blood clot boards who's IVC filter broke off and is now permanently lodged in her lungs. I'm not so sure that those filters are supposed to be inside you for life. I would get a second opinion on that. I can see where they are medically necessary though. My vascular doctor said he is going to place one if me if I ever have another blood clot while I'm on Warfarin. I will not listen to him, but he wrote that on a letter to my GP. I would seek out more medical advice on the filters and do whatever you feel is best for you.
jeremy1999
jeremy1999
Here is a good article about therapeutic (permanent IVC filters) and removable IVC filters. There are some people who develop complications from both types of filters, but there are many people who do not suffer any complications from these filters. They are generally used for people who have multiple short term traumas that might cause PE, and patients who fail Warfarin therapy. I suspect the lawsuits are for the newer removable filters and filter that have been placed improperly. Once again, it is up to you whether or not you are fine with having the IVC filter. I hope this article clarifies a few things.

Here is the article: http://evtoday.com/2010/02/when-temporary-ivc-filters-become-permanent/
katienydam
katienydam
I am recovering from a pneumonia and then will have IVC filters placed. Only way they will start working on my busted knee that caused this whole mess though. So it's a risk/benefit thing for me. I need this knee to stop hurting so I can rebuild my stamina! I'm nervous for the anesthesia... I either don't respond or don't do well.
Posts You May Be Interested In
  • GreenEyes727

    Caricatures

    Posted by: GreenEyes727
    Last Reply: Tired
    6
    Look at what my best friend did with my picture!
  • GreenEyes727

    Truths

    Posted by: GreenEyes727
    Last Reply: GreenEyes727
    14
    We all have 24 hours in a day.  How we spend these hours is important.  Watching a little bit of a video about how sitting affects us made me aware of how much sitting and laying down I do.  Gonna have to work on that.Your turn.  Tell me another truth.