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Heart Hospital - Procedures
Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Umbrella Placement
Why is the doctor performing this procedure?
To prevent a blood clot from traveling from the legs into the lungs. When a
blood clot lodges in the lungs it is called a pulmonary embolism.
What is the procedure?
The inferior vena cava (IVC) is the large vein that transports un-oxygenated
blood from the lower half of the body and delivers it to the heart. Blood is
then pumped through the pulmonary artery to the lungs for oxygenation. An IVC
umbrella is a tiny metal device that resembles an umbrella. This umbrella is
capable of filtering out harmful blood clots that can cause pulmonary embolism.
IVC umbrella placement is a catheter-based procedure that allows placement of
the filtering umbrella in the IVC. A catheter is inserted into a vein, usually
in the groin or neck. It is then guided into the IVC. Dye is injected into the
IVC and x-rays are taken. Then a catheter with the umbrella device is inserted
and guided into the IVC. Once properly positioned, the catheter is removed,
and the umbrella device remains in place. Dye is injected into a separate
catheter again, and x-rays are repeated to assure proper placement of the
umbrella. Then the catheter is removed. Pressure is applied to the catheter site
to stop bleeding, and the patient rests flat for several hours.
Where is the procedure performed?
In the Heart Hospital Cardiovascular Lab.
How long does this procedure take?
IVC umbrella placement usually takes 1-2 hours.9/9/2008
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