Scheduling your patient


To schedule a procedure, please create a requisition by placing an Epic order for: IR Interventional Vascular (IVC FILTER).  If you need additional help with inpatient procedure requests or consultations please contact the IR charge nurse at (773) 926 - 8318.

To schedule a clinic appointment, please call (773) 702 - 6514.

Copies of outside imaging studies on CD can be sent to:
Department of Radiology
Attn: Dr. Thuong Van Ha
5841 S. Maryland Avenue
MC 2026, Room Q-219
Chicago, IL  60637


Pre-procedure checklist

  • NPO after midnight

  • If contrast allergy, premedicate and encourage oral fluid intake
               Methylprednisolone 32 mg PO at 12 hours and 2 hours prior to procedure

  • Recent labs (within 30 days): Cr/GFR, PT/INR, platelets
               IVC filter placement: INR <2.0, platelets >50,000, aspirin is OK

               IVC filter retrieval:  INR <1.5, platelets >50,000, aspirin is OK
                    Anticoagulation may not need to be discontinued -- confer with Interventional Radiologist

  • Duplex ultrasound is required prior to retrieval of prophylactic IVC filters
               Exam may be scheduled on same day (just prior to) filter retrieval



Quick reference for referring physicians

Risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE)
  • Malignancy
  • Thrombophilia
  • Recent major surgery or trauma
  • Increased age
  • Acute major medical illness
  • Previous VTE
  • Morbid obesity

Indications for IVC filter placement

Therapeutic (documented VTE)
   1. Patients with PE or IVC, iliac, or femoral-popliteal DVT and one or more of the following: 
  • Absolute or relative contraindication to anticoagulation
  • Complication of anticoagulation
  • Failure of anticoagulation: recurrent PE despite adequate therapy, inability to achieve/maintain adequate anticoagulation, propagation/progression of DVT on therapeutic anticoagulation
   2. Massive PE with residual DVT in patients at risk for further PE
   3. Free-floating iliofemoral or IVC thrombus
   4. Severe cardiopulmonary disease with DVT

Prophylactic (no current VTE)
   1. Severe trauma
  • Closed head injury
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Multiple long bone or pelvic fractures
   2. High-risk patients

Indications for IVC filter retrieval
  1. An indication for a permanent filter is not currently present.
  2. The risk of clinically significant PE is estimated to be acceptably low due to sustained primary treatment (therapy or prophylaxis), or change has occurred in clinical status.
  3. The patient will not return to high risk of PE in the near future because of interruption of primary treatment or an anticipated change in clinical management or condition (e.g., discontinuing anticoagulation therapy for planned surgery).
  4. Life expectancy of the patient is long enough that presumed benefits of filter removal can be realized. Patients not anticipated to survive >6 months are unlikely to benefit from filter retrieval.
  5. The filter can be safely removed including suitable venous access.
  6. The patient agrees to have the filter removed.