ivc filter

Call me dumb, but what is a ivc filter ?  And why do we need this before surgery? 

I didn't have one but I think it's the filter they put into your body to catch blood clots that could happen after surgery.

Not everyone needs one (and the FDA isn't any too happy about how many people are getting them these days just as a routine protocol), but an inferior vena cava filter (IVC filter) is a tendril like device that is inserted to catch any blood clots to prevent the clots from becoming an pulmonary embolism, which can be life threatening).  It is also sometimes called a Greenfield filter. They are usually inserted a few days to a couple of weeks before surgery and then removed a few weeks or so afterward.

People like me, who have a strong history of blood clots often leave them in permanently. , and even WITH such a history don;lt necessarily NEED one, but it is a good precaution. I had one inserted AFTER I had my RNY (and half a dozen other surgeries prior to my RNY), but before some plastic surgery. 

Some surgeons so them on all WLS patients just in case since obesity is a risk factor for clots, but to be honest, if I had not had the history that I do, I would not have left them put it in.

Lora

Thanks for the replies.  I am just getting started and have only had my first consult with surgeon.