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VENA CAVA FILTER

 

 

You are receiving this information on Vena Cava Filter as part of your discharge instructions.

 

 

WHAT IS A VENA CAVA FILTER?

 

A vena cava filter is a device placed in your vein that traps blood clots, and keeps the clots from entering your lungs. The vena cava is a large vein that carries blood from your lower body back to your heart and lungs to collect more oxygen. Clots that enter your lung are called pulmonary embolisms. A blood clot in the lung can cause the blood vessel to burst or prevent blood flow to the heart. Either of these can lead to death. The doctor will make an incision in your femoral vein in your leg or jugular vein in your neck. He or she will then thread a catheter (hollow tube) with the filter on the end into the vena cava. A dye (contrast) that shows up on x-rays will be given to you to guide the doctor's placement of the filter.

 

 

WHAT CAN I EXPECT BEFORE THE PROCEDURE?

 

  • The doctor will explain the procedure to you.
  • You will need to sign a consent form.
  • An IV will be started in your arm or hand.
  • Your groin area or neck will be washed and shaved.
  • You will receive medicines to help you relax and to prevent allergic reactions to the dye used in the procedure. You will be awake for the procedure, but relaxed.

 

WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN THE FILTER IS PLACED?

 

  • The doctor, nurses, and technicians will be dressed in sterile gowns and masks.
  • You will be on a heart monitor, and the nurse will check your blood pressure and pulse frequently.
  • You will lie on a table with large x-ray machines nearby. The x-rays will show the doctor the best site to place the filter.
  • Local anesthetic (numbing medicine) will be used in the groin area or neck vein where the catheter will be inserted.
  • The doctor will make a small incision and insert the catheter into the femoral or jugular vein.
  • He or she will then thread the catheter into the inferior vena cava.
  • The doctor will use the x-ray to make sure the catheter is in the right location. Once he or she is sure of this, the filter will be released from the catheter and left in place in the vena cava.
  •  The doctor will remove the catheter and apply pressure over the incision to prevent bleeding.
  • The procedure takes about an hour.
  • You will go to the special procedures unit after your procedure.
  • You will continue to lie on your back for a few hours.
  • Your nurse will check the incision site frequently.
  • You will be encouraged to drink fluids after the procedure to help flush the dye out of your
  • body.

 

 

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF THIS PROCEDURE?

 

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Damage to one of the veins used
  • Swelling in your legs the procedure?
  • You may have a small bruise around the incision.

 

 

POST PROCEDURE DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

 

DIET

 

  • Increase fluids over the next 24 hours (unless contraindicated) to flush the dye out of your system.
  • Start your diet with liquids and light foods (jello, soup, juice, toast). Then eat a normal diet if not nauseated.
  • You may resume your regular diet as tolerated

 

ACTIVITY

 

  • Go directly home. Rest quietly at home today, then you can be up and about.
  • Have a RESPONSIBLE PERSON stay with you the rest of today and overnight for your protection and safety.
  • Do not drive, operate machinery, avoid drinking alcohol and making any legal decisions for 24 hours.
  • No exercising, bending or lifting of heavy objects (anything over 5 lbs) for the next 24 hours.
  • Avoid lifting more than 10 pounds for the first two weeks.
  • You may shower tomorrow. No tub baths for 2 days.
  • Do not smoke

 

WOUND/INCISIONAL DEVICE CARE

 

  • Check the area where the catheter was inserted (in your leg or arm) before you leave the hospital so you know what it looks and feels like.
  • Check the incision site morning and evening for any swelling, bleeding, or drainage. You may have a bruise (sometimes a very large one) at the site. This is normal.
  • You may remove the dressing/band aid the next day.
  • Keep the site clean using soap and water.

 

PAIN MANAGEMENT

 

  • You may use over the counter medications such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain unless otherwise contraindicated. Discuss any other over the counter use of aspirin and Ibuprofen products with your doctor before using them.
  • You may continue your regularly prescribed pain medication unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.

 

MEDICATION CHANGES

 

  • Take all your medications as ordered by your doctor, unless otherwise instructed. Patients who take Metformin should not take it for the next 48 hours and should call the physician who manages their diabetes before restarting this medication.
  • Patients on blood thinners may restart their blood thinners after 24 hours unless advised otherwise.

 

POST PROCEDURE SIGNS/SYMPTOMS THAT REQUIRE NOTIFICATION OF YOUR PHYSICIAN

 

  • You notice swelling or bleeding at your incision site.
  • You notice drainage at your incision site.
  • You have increased pain at your incision site.
  • You have pain, swelling or numbness in your leg or arm that had the catheter.
  • You have a fever over 101 degrees.
  • You have any new or unusual symptoms.
  • You have any questions or concerns.

 

POST PROCEDURE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS THAT REQUIRE IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. PROCEED TO YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT/OR CALL 911 FOR THE FOLLOWING:

 

  • Uncontrolled bleeding; if this should begin after you return home, you should lie down. Apply pressure to the site where the catheter was and have someone call your doctor right away. 
  •  If you are unable to reach your doctor quickly or you cannot stop the bleeding with pressure, call 911.
  • Severe shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or chest pain

 

DATE AND TIME TO SEE YOUR PHYSICIAN

 

  • Call the physician who ordered your procedure for a follow up appointment, if you do not already have a scheduled appointment. .
  • Tell your other doctors and your dentist that you have a vena cava filter in place.

 

 

You are a very important part of your recovery. Please ask your doctor or nurse any questions you may have regarding your discharge instructions

 

VENA CAVA FILTER

 

 

You are receiving this information on Vena Cava Filter as part of your discharge instructions.

 

 

WHAT IS A VENA CAVA FILTER?

 

A vena cava filter is a device placed in your vein that traps blood clots, and keeps the clots from entering your lungs. The vena cava is a large vein that carries blood from your lower body back to your heart and lungs to collect more oxygen. Clots that enter your lung are called pulmonary embolisms. A blood clot in the lung can cause the blood vessel to burst or prevent blood flow to the heart. Either of these can lead to death. The doctor will make an incision in your femoral vein in your leg or jugular vein in your neck. He or she will then thread a catheter (hollow tube) with the filter on the end into the vena cava. A dye (contrast) that shows up on x-rays will be given to you to guide the doctor's placement of the filter.

 

 

WHAT CAN I EXPECT BEFORE THE PROCEDURE?

 

  • The doctor will explain the procedure to you.
  • You will need to sign a consent form.
  • An IV will be started in your arm or hand.
  • Your groin area or neck will be washed and shaved.
  • You will receive medicines to help you relax and to prevent allergic reactions to the dye used in the procedure. You will be awake for the procedure, but relaxed.

 

WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN THE FILTER IS PLACED?

 

  • The doctor, nurses, and technicians will be dressed in sterile gowns and masks.
  • You will be on a heart monitor, and the nurse will check your blood pressure and pulse frequently.
  • You will lie on a table with large x-ray machines nearby. The x-rays will show the doctor the best site to place the filter.
  • Local anesthetic (numbing medicine) will be used in the groin area or neck vein where the catheter will be inserted.
  • The doctor will make a small incision and insert the catheter into the femoral or jugular vein.
  • He or she will then thread the catheter into the inferior vena cava.
  • The doctor will use the x-ray to make sure the catheter is in the right location. Once he or she is sure of this, the filter will be released from the catheter and left in place in the vena cava.
  •  The doctor will remove the catheter and apply pressure over the incision to prevent bleeding.
  • The procedure takes about an hour.
  • You will go to the special procedures unit after your procedure.
  • You will continue to lie on your back for a few hours.
  • Your nurse will check the incision site frequently.
  • You will be encouraged to drink fluids after the procedure to help flush the dye out of your
  • body.

 

 

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF THIS PROCEDURE?

 

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Damage to one of the veins used
  • Swelling in your legs the procedure?
  • You may have a small bruise around the incision.

 

 

POST PROCEDURE DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

 

DIET

 

  • Increase fluids over the next 24 hours (unless contraindicated) to flush the dye out of your system.
  • Start your diet with liquids and light foods (jello, soup, juice, toast). Then eat a normal diet if not nauseated.
  • You may resume your regular diet as tolerated

 

ACTIVITY

 

  • Go directly home. Rest quietly at home today, then you can be up and about.
  • Have a RESPONSIBLE PERSON stay with you the rest of today and overnight for your protection and safety.
  • Do not drive, operate machinery, avoid drinking alcohol and making any legal decisions for 24 hours.
  • No exercising, bending or lifting of heavy objects (anything over 5 lbs) for the next 24 hours.
  • Avoid lifting more than 10 pounds for the first two weeks.
  • You may shower tomorrow. No tub baths for 2 days.
  • Do not smoke

 

WOUND/INCISIONAL DEVICE CARE

 

  • Check the area where the catheter was inserted (in your leg or arm) before you leave the hospital so you know what it looks and feels like.
  • Check the incision site morning and evening for any swelling, bleeding, or drainage. You may have a bruise (sometimes a very large one) at the site. This is normal.
  • You may remove the dressing/band aid the next day.
  • Keep the site clean using soap and water.

 

PAIN MANAGEMENT

 

  • You may use over the counter medications such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain unless otherwise contraindicated. Discuss any other over the counter use of aspirin and Ibuprofen products with your doctor before using them.
  • You may continue your regularly prescribed pain medication unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.

 

MEDICATION CHANGES

 

  • Take all your medications as ordered by your doctor, unless otherwise instructed. Patients who take Metformin should not take it for the next 48 hours and should call the physician who manages their diabetes before restarting this medication.
  • Patients on blood thinners may restart their blood thinners after 24 hours unless advised otherwise.

 

POST PROCEDURE SIGNS/SYMPTOMS THAT REQUIRE NOTIFICATION OF YOUR PHYSICIAN

 

  • You notice swelling or bleeding at your incision site.
  • You notice drainage at your incision site.
  • You have increased pain at your incision site.
  • You have pain, swelling or numbness in your leg or arm that had the catheter.
  • You have a fever over 101 degrees.
  • You have any new or unusual symptoms.
  • You have any questions or concerns.

 

POST PROCEDURE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS THAT REQUIRE IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. PROCEED TO YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT/OR CALL 911 FOR THE FOLLOWING:

 

  • Uncontrolled bleeding; if this should begin after you return home, you should lie down. Apply pressure to the site where the catheter was and have someone call your doctor right away. 
  •  If you are unable to reach your doctor quickly or you cannot stop the bleeding with pressure, call 911.
  • Severe shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or chest pain

 

DATE AND TIME TO SEE YOUR PHYSICIAN

 

  • Call the physician who ordered your procedure for a follow up appointment, if you do not already have a scheduled appointment. .
  • Tell your other doctors and your dentist that you have a vena cava filter in place.

 

 

You are a very important part of your recovery. Please ask your doctor or nurse any questions you may have regarding your discharge instructions

 

VENA CAVA FILTER

 

 

You are receiving this information on Vena Cava Filter as part of your discharge instructions.

 

 

WHAT IS A VENA CAVA FILTER?

 

A vena cava filter is a device placed in your vein that traps blood clots, and keeps the clots from entering your lungs. The vena cava is a large vein that carries blood from your lower body back to your heart and lungs to collect more oxygen. Clots that enter your lung are called pulmonary embolisms. A blood clot in the lung can cause the blood vessel to burst or prevent blood flow to the heart. Either of these can lead to death. The doctor will make an incision in your femoral vein in your leg or jugular vein in your neck. He or she will then thread a catheter (hollow tube) with the filter on the end into the vena cava. A dye (contrast) that shows up on x-rays will be given to you to guide the doctor's placement of the filter.

 

 

WHAT CAN I EXPECT BEFORE THE PROCEDURE?

 

  • The doctor will explain the procedure to you.
  • You will need to sign a consent form.
  • An IV will be started in your arm or hand.
  • Your groin area or neck will be washed and shaved.
  • You will receive medicines to help you relax and to prevent allergic reactions to the dye used in the procedure. You will be awake for the procedure, but relaxed.

 

WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN THE FILTER IS PLACED?

 

  • The doctor, nurses, and technicians will be dressed in sterile gowns and masks.
  • You will be on a heart monitor, and the nurse will check your blood pressure and pulse frequently.
  • You will lie on a table with large x-ray machines nearby. The x-rays will show the doctor the best site to place the filter.
  • Local anesthetic (numbing medicine) will be used in the groin area or neck vein where the catheter will be inserted.
  • The doctor will make a small incision and insert the catheter into the femoral or jugular vein.
  • He or she will then thread the catheter into the inferior vena cava.
  • The doctor will use the x-ray to make sure the catheter is in the right location. Once he or she is sure of this, the filter will be released from the catheter and left in place in the vena cava.
  •  The doctor will remove the catheter and apply pressure over the incision to prevent bleeding.
  • The procedure takes about an hour.
  • You will go to the special procedures unit after your procedure.
  • You will continue to lie on your back for a few hours.
  • Your nurse will check the incision site frequently.
  • You will be encouraged to drink fluids after the procedure to help flush the dye out of your
  • body.

 

 

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF THIS PROCEDURE?

 

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Damage to one of the veins used
  • Swelling in your legs the procedure?
  • You may have a small bruise around the incision.

 

 

POST PROCEDURE DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

 

DIET

 

  • Increase fluids over the next 24 hours (unless contraindicated) to flush the dye out of your system.
  • Start your diet with liquids and light foods (jello, soup, juice, toast). Then eat a normal diet if not nauseated.
  • You may resume your regular diet as tolerated

 

ACTIVITY

 

  • Go directly home. Rest quietly at home today, then you can be up and about.
  • Have a RESPONSIBLE PERSON stay with you the rest of today and overnight for your protection and safety.
  • Do not drive, operate machinery, avoid drinking alcohol and making any legal decisions for 24 hours.
  • No exercising, bending or lifting of heavy objects (anything over 5 lbs) for the next 24 hours.
  • Avoid lifting more than 10 pounds for the first two weeks.
  • You may shower tomorrow. No tub baths for 2 days.
  • Do not smoke

 

WOUND/INCISIONAL DEVICE CARE

 

  • Check the area where the catheter was inserted (in your leg or arm) before you leave the hospital so you know what it looks and feels like.
  • Check the incision site morning and evening for any swelling, bleeding, or drainage. You may have a bruise (sometimes a very large one) at the site. This is normal.
  • You may remove the dressing/band aid the next day.
  • Keep the site clean using soap and water.

 

PAIN MANAGEMENT

 

  • You may use over the counter medications such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain unless otherwise contraindicated. Discuss any other over the counter use of aspirin and Ibuprofen products with your doctor before using them.
  • You may continue your regularly prescribed pain medication unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.

 

MEDICATION CHANGES

 

  • Take all your medications as ordered by your doctor, unless otherwise instructed. Patients who take Metformin should not take it for the next 48 hours and should call the physician who manages their diabetes before restarting this medication.
  • Patients on blood thinners may restart their blood thinners after 24 hours unless advised otherwise.

 

POST PROCEDURE SIGNS/SYMPTOMS THAT REQUIRE NOTIFICATION OF YOUR PHYSICIAN

 

  • You notice swelling or bleeding at your incision site.
  • You notice drainage at your incision site.
  • You have increased pain at your incision site.
  • You have pain, swelling or numbness in your leg or arm that had the catheter.
  • You have a fever over 101 degrees.
  • You have any new or unusual symptoms.
  • You have any questions or concerns.

 

POST PROCEDURE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS THAT REQUIRE IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. PROCEED TO YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT/OR CALL 911 FOR THE FOLLOWING:

 

  • Uncontrolled bleeding; if this should begin after you return home, you should lie down. Apply pressure to the site where the catheter was and have someone call your doctor right away. 
  •  If you are unable to reach your doctor quickly or you cannot stop the bleeding with pressure, call 911.
  • Severe shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or chest pain

 

DATE AND TIME TO SEE YOUR PHYSICIAN

 

  • Call the physician who ordered your procedure for a follow up appointment, if you do not already have a scheduled appointment. .
  • Tell your other doctors and your dentist that you have a vena cava filter in place.

 

 

You are a very important part of your recovery. Please ask your doctor or nurse any questions you may have regarding your discharge instructions

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