Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Umbrella
Placement
Why
is the doctor performing this procedure?
To prevent a
blood clot from traveling from the legs into the lung circulation. A blood
clot in the lungs is called a pulmonary embolism.
What
is the procedure?
The inferior
vena cava (IVC) is the large vein that takes un-oxygenated blood from the
lower half of the body and delivers it to the heart, where it is pumped to
the lungs for oxygenation. An IVC umbrella is a tiny metal device that
resembles an umbrella, but without the fabric. This umbrella is capable of
filtering out harmful blood clots that can cause pulmonary embolism.
IVC umbrella
placement is a catheter-based procedure that allows placement of the
filtering umbrella in the IVC. A catheter is inserted into a vein, usually
in the groin or neck. It is then advanced into the IVC. Dye is injected
into the IVC and x-rays are taken. Then a catheter with the umbrella device
is inserted and advanced into the IVC. Once properly positioned, the
catheter is removed, and the umbrella device remains in place. Dye is
injected into a separate catheter again, and x-rays are repeated to assure
proper placement of the umbrella. Then the catheter is removed, pressure is
applied to the catheter site to stop bleeding, and the patient rests flat
for several hours.
Where
is the procedure performed?
In the
Cardiac Catheterization Lab or Interventional Radiology Suite.
How
long does this procedure take?
IVC umbrella
placement usually takes 1-2 hours.
|
