Anyone else out there besides E-Dog and I with a vena cava filter? I had a secondary surgery in May to fix scoliosis at injury level with all sorts of new hardware and pelvic fusions. My surgeon put in a vena cava filter to catch any blood clots that could travel up. I had a clot in 1992 and have been on aspirin since. Surgeon says to leave filter in permanently but I am not so sure and have until early July to decide on removal before the filter becomes attached to vein walls and difficult to remove.

The removal involves going in through the big neck vein and being somewhat under anesthesia again. They say it is quick but sounds scary to me....

Any thoughts?

Char

Hello Char -

First, my condolences upon hearing that you share a condition with E-Dog. Of course, you could share something much worse .... OK. I'll shut up.

Regarding filters:
I had one placed in the inferior vena cava via the right femoral vein in Oct, 04. Been there ever since. I'm on a life-time regimen of warfarin as I manifest solid clots in both femoral veins up to the iliac and ivc 26 days after sci surgery. Should've kicked the bucket, but was too ornery. (Legs didn't work anyway.)

So, as to the business of the filter's being removed - I'm not sure it should. What's the motivation for pulling it?

Best wishes nevertheless ...

Murray

Murray,

As far as motivation for pulling it, I am just recalling the doctor and assistant's conversations as they put the filter in. They also went in through my groin area at my request due to lack of sensation. They kept stressing the importance of removal before 60 days passed. I am not sure why they did or if I am missing something if I leave it in. Guess I am just wondering if there are long term effects of leaving it. A search on google did not give much info one way or the other. So, thought I would try here SCI injuries are common for leading the blood clots......

Hello Char -

Not sure about the filter placement being common practice. I would imagine so if my circumstance is any example. The month's worth of muscle inactivity certainly made them jump up in my legs. Did you have any clots at all following surgery? If not, perhaps the docs are right. (That'd be a first - ha!) As for long term effects - I've had none in almost five years. My pro-time numbers are reasonably consistent at 2-3, although there's always the periodic spike for no reason. Check with some more physicians or Medline and similar sites. They should help.

Have a good one.

Lynn