For Patients
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We believe our patients come first. Our team members collaborate to create a treatment plan that takes the patient’s medical and emotional needs into account as well as quality of life issues and family concerns.
As interventional radiologists, we use the most advanced medical technologies available to guide the placement, management, and removal of IVC Filters. Our focus is on safe prevention of venous thromboembolism, or blood clots, from traveling from the lower body to the heart and lungs. Our clinic is dedicated to comprehensive longitudinal care of patients who require permanent or temporary mechanical prophylaxis against DVT/PE. We strongly believe that retrievable IVC filters play an important role for many patients, but meticulous follow up is required to make sure the devices are safely removed when no longer needed. |
FAQs
1. I’ve had one procedure to remove my IVC filter and failed. Is it possible it can still be removed?
It is possible that an IVC filter can be removed after a failed attempt. Along with the expertise and experience of our physicians there are many advanced techniques that allow us to remove your IVC filter, even if others have failed. Each individual patient is evaluated on a case by case bases to determine best treatment option.
2. If my filter has been in place for years can it still be removed?
With advanced techniques it is possible to remove a filter that has been in place for years. With our multidisciplinary approach each patient is evaluated with a few simple questions such as: type of filter, approximate filter placement. If information is unavailable, patients will work with our clinical coordinator to answer questions.
3. What if my IVC filter procedure wasn’t done at Northwestern Medicine, can I still have it removed by Northwestern Medicine?
Yes. Often we see patients that are referred by other physicians outside of Northwestern Medicine. Our clinic coordinator will work with you to gather information that is needed and set up the filter removal.
4. Once I’ve set up my IVC filter removal procedure, where do I send my information such as medical records?
Please send all records and images to:
IVC Filter Clinic Coordinator
Attn: Jennifer Karp, RN
676 N St Clair Street
Suite 1400
Chicago, IL 60611
Fax: 312.695.0654.
5. Should I stop my current blood thinning medication?
In most cases we do not require you to change your blood thinner regimen. Your IVC filter clinic coordinator will review your medications you are taking and will determine whether or not you should continue taking them before your procedure.
6. How long will I be in the hospital?
In most cases patients will be at in the hospital between 3-4 hours for either IVC filter placement or removal procedures. In rare cases patients stay overnight for observation depending on individual circumstances.
Our clinic coordinator will work to answer all questions leading up to the procedure as well as what to expect during recovery.
If you are coming from out of town it is a good idea to wait at least 48 hours after the procedure before taking a flight or driving long distances.
7. Where can I stay near the hospital?
For out-of-town patients and visiting family members, Northwestern Medicine has negotiated reduced rates at a variety of hotels near Northwestern Medicine Hospital.
The participating hotels are located in the heart of downtown Chicago, within blocks of a variety of restaurants, public transportation and the "Magnificent Mile," Chicago's premier shopping district.
Visitor Information
For a complete list of discounted lodging select the Visitor Information below. Ask about room availability with the "Northwestern" discounted rate.
8. Will my insurance cover the procedure?
Most insurance cover the IVC filter placement and removal procedures. The IVC filter clinic coordinator can work with you and your insurance company to determine if you will receive coverage.
It is possible that an IVC filter can be removed after a failed attempt. Along with the expertise and experience of our physicians there are many advanced techniques that allow us to remove your IVC filter, even if others have failed. Each individual patient is evaluated on a case by case bases to determine best treatment option.
2. If my filter has been in place for years can it still be removed?
With advanced techniques it is possible to remove a filter that has been in place for years. With our multidisciplinary approach each patient is evaluated with a few simple questions such as: type of filter, approximate filter placement. If information is unavailable, patients will work with our clinical coordinator to answer questions.
3. What if my IVC filter procedure wasn’t done at Northwestern Medicine, can I still have it removed by Northwestern Medicine?
Yes. Often we see patients that are referred by other physicians outside of Northwestern Medicine. Our clinic coordinator will work with you to gather information that is needed and set up the filter removal.
4. Once I’ve set up my IVC filter removal procedure, where do I send my information such as medical records?
Please send all records and images to:
IVC Filter Clinic Coordinator
Attn: Jennifer Karp, RN
676 N St Clair Street
Suite 1400
Chicago, IL 60611
Fax: 312.695.0654.
5. Should I stop my current blood thinning medication?
In most cases we do not require you to change your blood thinner regimen. Your IVC filter clinic coordinator will review your medications you are taking and will determine whether or not you should continue taking them before your procedure.
6. How long will I be in the hospital?
In most cases patients will be at in the hospital between 3-4 hours for either IVC filter placement or removal procedures. In rare cases patients stay overnight for observation depending on individual circumstances.
Our clinic coordinator will work to answer all questions leading up to the procedure as well as what to expect during recovery.
If you are coming from out of town it is a good idea to wait at least 48 hours after the procedure before taking a flight or driving long distances.
7. Where can I stay near the hospital?
For out-of-town patients and visiting family members, Northwestern Medicine has negotiated reduced rates at a variety of hotels near Northwestern Medicine Hospital.
The participating hotels are located in the heart of downtown Chicago, within blocks of a variety of restaurants, public transportation and the "Magnificent Mile," Chicago's premier shopping district.
Visitor Information
For a complete list of discounted lodging select the Visitor Information below. Ask about room availability with the "Northwestern" discounted rate.
8. Will my insurance cover the procedure?
Most insurance cover the IVC filter placement and removal procedures. The IVC filter clinic coordinator can work with you and your insurance company to determine if you will receive coverage.