What's a filter?

[nancynancy 0]

I've seen reference to having a filter put in before banding surgery. What the heck is a filter and what does is do?

[Wheetsin 714]

Hi Nancy,

Sometimes when a surgical patient is at high risk for bloodclots, they will insert a filter into the vena cava (takes blood to the heart) to help reduce the chance of a bloodclot making its way into the heart or lungs.

You're probaby hearing about it in relation to the lap-band because obese people, particularly women, are considered a higher risk population for bloodclots.

My mother has a history of DVT (deep vein thrombosis), and required a lengthy surgery to remove a melanoma, and a follow-up to remove her lymph nodes and form a skin graft. She had one placed both times.

[irishmae11 0]

Do you know-is that a surgical procedure? I'll bet they suggest that for me...my sis and Mom both died from PE's...after surgery....although I had d7c last year and had no problems-interesting how much they can do now?

[nancynancy 0]

Thanks for the info! I found one person who said her Dr. told her she needed one because her BMI was over 55 - mine is too - so I will plan on being required to get one and if I don't have, well, that will be a bonus.

[Wheetsin 714]

My mother had the first one placed before her surgery, and the second one during. She then had a third surgery to remove them both.

[ReneBean 3]

Thanks for the info! I found one person who said her Dr. told her she needed one because her BMI was over 55 - mine is too - so I will plan on being required to get one and if I don't have, well, that will be a bonus.

My BMI was over 55 - but I didn't have one. My doc put me on blood thinners for surgery that lasted for about 24 hours. No filter.

Good luck!

[Wheetsin 714]

Thanks for the info! I found one person who said her Dr. told her she needed one because her BMI was over 55 - mine is too - so I will plan on being required to get one and if I don't have, well, that will be a bonus.

My BMI was over 55 and they never mentioned one to me. And I had to go off hormone-based birth control about 8 years ago because I was getting weird, superficial bloodclots in weird places. (And the anesthesiologist & surgeon knew this). However, they did give me a Heparin shot while the IV was getting placed. And I also vaguely remember them putting some kind of thing on my leg that was blown up like a blood pressure cuff. I think. :lost1.5lbs:

[mel07 0]

Hi

I had my first filter last year after getting massive pulmonary emboli in both lungs. Due to my age ( 36) they removed it about 3 months later. I remain on coumadin therapy. Now that I am having more surgery I had to have the filter put back in which I have already done. They will take it out again after the lap band surgery. It is an easy procedure, they give you conscious sedation so you dont remember it and usually just need a band-aid to cover the insertion point. With the history in your family, I am not surprised they want you to have one. Good Luck!

[mel07 0]

For me, it was removed due to my age, when you are a closer to your 50s they leave them in, I guess there can sometimes be scar tissue that causes a clot around the filter so in my case it will be removed. I think it depends on your own personal situation and your MD.