Emblism ( vena cava filter Greenfield)

[dmh]

I had embolism back in 1999, At that time they put a filter in. For the last 2 weeks ive had swelling in both legs,pain in left calve. I would like to know what i should look for if filter is pluged (plugged). And what is treatment. all information on Vena Cava filter would help, Going to Dr today but would like more info on filters pluging up with clots.


                         Thank You For Your Time
                                 Dmh

[Forum-M.D.-DT]

Thank you for visiting the Family Practice Forum.

The "Greenfield Filter" is placed in the large vein which collects blood from the lower extremities. This filter serves to prevent clots from the legs from going to the lung ... resulting in a pulmonary embolism, which is what it sounds like you had back in 1999.

Technically, if there was a problem with the filter itself or if you had blood clots below the filter (groin, legs), the first thing you might notice would be increased leg redness, swelling, pain, warmth and you may develop a fever.

There is actually a website dedicated to the "greenfield filter" with a forum of frequently asked questions. I have reviewed this site and found it to be very informative and I am sure it will help you with these and many other questions you might have regarding the greenfield filter.

The website is at www.greenfieldfilter.com

I hope this proves helpful and I wish you well.

[dmh]

I went to Doctor today , He sent me to hospital for doppler. No blood clots where found.Lump in left leg, Waiting for results.
                      Thank you

[pae]

Hi.  I had a Greenfield filter implanted 1 year ago.  I have ulcerative colitis and it somehow caused me to develop DVT in my right leg.  I'm only 24 yrs old, and I was hospitalized last year for a week to thin my blood.  I had the filter implanted because I had a small pulmonary embolism when I was in the hospital.  I'm still on Coumadin and will be on it for life, but I was wondering if I have to be worried about the filter becoming dislodged or breaking off and killing me.  I don't know how strong or flexible they are.  If I've had it for a year, am I pretty safe or could it still break off?  Also, should I have the filter checked to make sure it's not tilted and that the blood is flowing well through it?  Thank you.

[gandalf934]

A related discussion, greenfield filter was started.

[philgene]

A related discussion, Inferior vene cava filter installed was started.