Retrieving a device that has penetrated the vessel wall or become embedded within it
The inferior vena cava (IVC) is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower half of the body back to the heart. If a blood clot known as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) forms, it can break free and travel to your lungs via the IVC. An IVC filter is a small wire device that can be placed in the IVC to catch blood clots and prevent a pulmonary embolism.
IVC filters are meant to be removed once they are no longer needed. A potential complication associated with these filters, especially when they are left in place longer than required, is that the wire tip of the filter can become embedded in the vessel wall or penetrate through the IVC and into surrounding structures.
Removing a tip-embedded filter is a delicate procedure because an incomplete or failed retrieval can result in additional damage. The specialists in our heart and vascular program are experienced in safely removing such devices with minimally invasive techniques.
Tests
Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan
The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.
Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
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Steven David Abramowitz, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Margaret Arnold, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Suzanne M Benn, FNPBC, MSN
Vascular Surgery
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Danielle Bielecki, CRNP
Vascular Surgery
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Donna Carol Buckley, MD
Vascular Interventional Radiology
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Kristin Crawley, ACNP-BC, BSN, MSN
Vascular Surgery
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Keith Marshall Horton, MD
Interventional Radiology, Diagnostic Radiology & Vascular Interventional Radiology
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Misaki Mikki Kiguchi, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Suzanne Siefert Kool, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Brittany Celina Montgomery, AGACNP-BC, MSN
Vascular Surgery
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Dana Parker, MSN, NP
Vascular Surgery
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Kyle B. Reynolds, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Brian P. Swehla, MD
Interventional Radiology & Vascular Interventional Radiology
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Asmeret Tewolde, CFNP, MSN
Vascular Surgery
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Sarkis Garabet Aghazarian, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Shan-E-Ali Haider, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Our locations
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MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
3800 Reservoir Rd. NW Washington, DC, 20007
Insurance
MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans. If you are uncertain as to whether your individual health insurance plan is accepted at MedStar Health, please call your insurance company.