IVC Filter Clinic
Quick Links
Offering Patient Consults, Scheduling, Coordination, Follow Up, and Education
Introduction
An inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is a medical device inserted for the prevention of pulmonary embolism (PE). Many patients have received a retrievable IVC filter for temporary prevention of PE. When the filter is no longer needed, prompt removal is desired to avoid long-term complications. For some patients, standard retrieval methods fail to achieve filter removal. For these patients, the Stanford Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology has pioneered new endovascular methods to retrieve a variety of IVC filters, regardless of implantation length, which have become embedded within the IVC.
Dr. William Kuo, Director of Stanford IVC Filter Clinic
Pulications
• Kuo WT, Cupp JS, Louie JD, Sze DY, Kothary N, Hwang GL, Hofmann LV. Retrieval of permanently-embedded IVC filters and description of the laser-assisted sheath technique: Radiographic-histopathologic correlation. [Abstract] Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. February 2010, Vol. 21, S4.
• Kuo WT, Tong RT, Hwang GL, Louie JD, Lebowitz EA, Sze DY, Hofmann LV. High-risk retrieval of adherent and chronically implanted IVC filters: techniques for removal and management of procedural thrombotic complications. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. December 2009, Vol. 20; 1548-1556.
• Kuo WT, Kee ST. Wire loop methods for retrieval of trapped inferior vena cava filters: 10-Fr versus 16-Fr sheath technique. [Letter] Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. June 2008, Vol. 19, pp 956-957.
• Kuo WT, Loh CT, Sze DY. Emergency retrieval of a G2 filter after complete migration into the right ventricle. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. September 2007, Vol. 18, pp 1177-1182.
• Kuo WT, Bostaph AS, Loh CT, Frisoli JK, Kee ST. Retrieval of trapped Günther Tulip inferior vena cava filters: snare over guidewire loop technique. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. November 2006, Vol. 17, pp 1845-1849.
Ongoing Studies
Press Releases
http://med.stanford.edu/ism/2010/may/filter-0524.html
Links
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/ucm221676.htm
Patient Testimonials
"Please pass along my GREAT THANKS to Dr Kuo. I have experienced immediate relief from my chronic abdominal pain. I no longer feel that my internal organs are being strangled. Amazing really, that it was diagnosed so efficiently and resolved so handily by Dr Kuo and his team. For that, my family and I are eternally grateful."Susan Karnstedt
"I feel like a new man. I can exercise, like before my accident, and no cramps. Hallelujah."
WM
"There are no problems. I feel physically fine and mentally much improved and worry-free. Some of the discomfort at hip level I had been blaming on hips I now think was partly pressure from the filter because that feeling of pressure is gone. It was awesome how you people made things work out."
WW
