After Inferior Vena Cava Filter Removal

You had a procedure to remove a filter from your inferior vena cava. The inferior vena cava (IVC) is a large vein in the abdomen that returns blood from the lower body to the heart and lungs. During the procedure, the doctor inserted a thin plastic tube (called a catheter) through your leg or neck until it reached the inferior vena cava. Through this tube the filter was removed from the inferior vena cava.  Here are some instructions to follow while you recover.

Activity

• Have someone drive you home today.

• Do not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours after the procedure.

• Avoid lifting heavy objects, pulling and pushing activities for 24 hours after the procedure.

• Do not make any important decisions or sign legal documents for 24 hours after the procedure.

Home care

• Keep your bandage on for 24 hours after the procedure.  After 24 hours remove the bandage.

• Keep the incision site clean and dry.

• Do not take a bath, swim or sit in a hot tub for the first 5 days after the procedure.

• You may shower or gently wash the incision site with soap and water 24 hours after the procedure.  After cleaning the site, pat dry.  Do not rub or scrub the incision.

• Do not use any creams or ointments on your incision site.

• If your incision starts to bleed, lie flat and have someone apply pressure to the incision site for 10 minutes. After the bleeding has stopped, continue to lie flat with your legs straight for an hour. If the bleeding does not stop call 911.

• Take all medications exactly as directed by your doctor.

When to seek medical attention

Call 911 right away if:

• You pass out or lose consciousness

• Your bandage is soaked with blood and the incision site will not stop bleeding

• You have shortness of breath

• You have chest pain

• You have sudden swelling, tenderness or pain in your leg

Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following:

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher

• Signs of infection (redness, swelling, or warmth at the incision site)

• Drainage from your incision

• Changes in color, temperature, feeling, or movement in either foot

• Constant or increasing pain in your leg

• Leg swelling

• Bleeding, bruising, or a small amount of swelling where the catheter was inserted