Can IVC Filters be Removed?
What You Need to Know

What are the Dangers of IVC Filter Removal?

Although the procedure to remove a blood clot filter is relatively simple and minimally-invasive, removing the device itself is challenging in many cases, especially when the device has been in place for an extended period of time. Scar tissue may form around the filter, increasing the risk of complications including bleeding and blood clotting.

Filter fractures may also occur, in which filter fragments migrate to other parts of the body during the retrieval procedure. In other cases, the filter may become damaged and embedded in the blood vessel wall, requiring a more invasive retrieval procedure.

Related Article: IVC Filter Lawsuit Update

Which IVC Filters are Permanent?

Until recently, inferior vena cava filters were available only as permanently implanted devices. Newer filters, called optionally retrievable filters, may be left in place permanently or removed from the vena cava at a later date.

Can an IVC Filter be Removed After 10 Years?

There is no set time limit in which a retrievable IVC filter must be removed; however, it is generally understood that the longer the device is in place, the greater the likelihood that complications will occur during the retrieval process.

Apart from problems related to removal, the true risk of developing a complication after placement of an IVC filter is unknown, but would be expected to increase with the duration of implantation. As a result, any mechanism that can facilitate early IVC filter removal should decrease the risk of long-term complications.

How is an IVC Filter Removed?

During IVC filter removal, a special device called a snare is inserted into the patient’s jugular vein, the large vein in the neck. Most retrievable IVC filters have a small hook at one end. Using fluoroscopy (X-ray guidance), the snare is used to latch onto the small hook, and once attached, to withdraw the filter from the patient’s body.

How Soon After Placement Can an IVC Filter be Removed?

Retrievable IVC filters may be removed once the risk of a clot traveling to the heart and lungs passes (about 6 months in most cases). The FDA recommends removing temporary IVC filters after 29-54 days.

Is IVC Filter Removal Painful?

After having an IVC filter removed, some patients may feel tired or have pain for several days. However, each person recovers at a different pace.

Related Articles:

• IVC Filters Compensation
• Injuries from IVC Filters
• Bard G2 IVC Filter Suit

See all medical device lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

FAQs

1. Is the IVC Filter Permanent?

Some IVC filters are designed to be permanent, while others are temporary and can be removed once the risk of blood clots decreases, depending on the patient’s condition.

2. What Is the Success Rate of IVC Filter Removal?

The success rate of IVC filter removal is generally high, with most procedures being successful, though it depends on factors like the filter’s design, duration in place, and patient health.

3. What Happens if You Leave an IVC Filter In?

Leaving an IVC filter in can lead to complications such as filter migration, fracture, or perforation of blood vessels, which may necessitate further medical interventions or removal.

4. Is IVC Filter Removal Painful?

IVC filter removal is typically not painful, as it is performed under local anesthesia or sedation, but patients may experience mild discomfort or soreness post-procedure.

Get a Free Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

The Medical Device Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new IVC filter complication cases in all 50 states.

Free Confidential Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one has had an IVC filter implanted, you should contact our law firm immediately. Our lawyers are evaluating every individual case regardless of whether you have been injured or not. So, if you have received an IVC filter implant, we would like to speak with you. You may be entitled to compensation for an IVC filter settlement by filing a Lawsuit against the manufacturer and our lawyers can help.