Symptoms associated with pulmonary diseases can be very lifestyle-limiting. We can provide these patients with relief from these symptoms.
Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter Placement/Removal
In an inferior vena cava filter placement procedure, interventional radiologists use image guidance to place a filter in the inferior vena cava (IVC), the large vein in the abdomen that returns blood from the lower body to the heart. The most common approach is to gain access to the jugular vein in the neck, using ultrasound guidance initially.
Blood clots that develop in the veins of the leg or pelvis, a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), occasionally break up and large pieces of the clot can travel to the lungs. An IVC filter traps large clot fragments and prevents them from traveling through the vena cava vein to the heart and lungs, where they could cause severe complications or even death.
Filter Placement/Removal
Until recently, IVC filters were available only as permanently implanted devices. Newer filters, called optionally retrievable filters, may be left in place permanently or have the option to potentially be removed from the blood vessel later. This removal may be performed when the risk of clot travelling to the lung has passed. Removal of an IVC filter eliminates any long-term risks of having the filter in place. It does not address the cause of the deep vein thrombosis or coagulation. Your referring physician will determine if blood thinners are still necessary. However, not all retrievable IVC filters are able to be retrieved. These filters can be safely left in place as permanent filters.
Removal of an IVC Filter can be as easy as placing one. Using ultrasound guidance, the physician will access the jugular vein. In order to grab the filter, a snare or retrieval device is used to pull it out through the access sheath.
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Thoracentesis
Thoracentesis is a procedure to remove excess fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall. This space is called the pleural space.
Normally, the pleural space is filled with a small amount of fluid—about 4 teaspoons full. Some conditions—such as heart failure, lung infections, and tumors—can cause more fluid to build up. When this happens, it’s called a pleural effusion. A lot of extra fluid can press on the lungs, making it hard to breathe.
Tunneled Pleural Catheter Placement/Removal
A tunneled pleural drainage catheter is a thin plastic chest tube that is placed into the pleural space by tunneling it (placing it) under the skin of your chest.
This catheter is a treatment option for removing continual accumulations of fluid within the pleural space due to conditions such as infections, metastatic cancers, liver disease or advanced congestive heart failure. It is tunneled under your skin for long-term use (weeks to months) in removing pleural fluid.
The advantage of this catheter is that it avoids the need for repeated pleural tap procedures for the removal of the re-accumulating pleural fluid. This catheter also provides a simple way for draining the pleural fluid at home on a regular, often daily, basis.
Who are Good Candidates for Pulmonary Services in Waldorf, MD?
Anyone who experiences a chronic pulmonary disease of any kind would be an ideal candidate for pulmonary services. Just a few examples of these conditions include but are not limited to ones like:
- Cystic fibrosis.
- Sarcoidosis.
- Long-form COVID.
- Emphysema.
- Bronchitis.
- Scleroderma.
Additionally, people who have had lung cancer or who have gone through various types of lung-related surgeries would also be ideal candidates for pulmonary services. This includes individuals who are about to undergo lung transplants and those who have already done so, as well as patients who have had lung volume reduction surgery.
The Benefits of Pulmonary Services
Depending on the issues that someone is facing, pulmonary services can assist in a variety of different ways. For many people, it can help them with their breathing. Ongoing pulmonary services also help increase a person's endurance and exercise tolerance.
Over the long term, this can help people tackle day-to-day activities far easier than they can currently do. Furthermore, it can also reduce the frequency of hospital visits as well.
Pulmonary services can have a significant impact on a person's mental health. Many people report feeling reduced symptoms of depression and lower levels of anxiety as well. That is why it is important to enlist the help of an experienced pulmonary team who can help you regain a higher quality of life.
The Potential Risks of Pulmonary Services
According to one recent study conducted by American Family Physicians, the risk of experiencing some type of pulmonary complication after surgery, in particular, is estimated to be between 1% and 23%.
Potential risks and complications can include the following:
- Pneumonia.
- Pulmonary edema.
- Atelectasis.
- Aspiration.
- Respiratory failure.
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome.
- Pulmonary embolism.
Myths and Misconceptions Regarding Pulmonary Services
One of the biggest myths about pulmonary services is that they are essentially the same thing as physical therapy. In reality, physical therapy is designed to help someone regain mobility or rehabilitate after an injury that they have sustained to a specific part of the body. Pulmonary services, on the other hand, are intended to help maximize someone's cardiovascular function, which can be reduced due to injury or surgical intervention.
Pulmonary Services: Recovery and Outlook
According to the Cleveland Clinic, people tend to spend between two and three days in the hospital after going through pulmonary services like a lung resection. After surgery, many patients feel a shortness of breath that will eventually subside. A big part of the recovery process will be learning coughing or deep breathing exercises. This will help patients keep their lungs clear. They may also be given supplemental oxygen to help make sure the recovery process goes as smoothly as possible.
If you'd like to find out more information about what impact the right pulmonary services can have on your life, or if you're looking for a board-certified pulmonologist near Waldorf, MD, but aren't sure where to begin, please don't delay - contact the Metropolitan Vascular Institute today or call 301-374-8540 to schedule your free consultation.
FAQs About Procedures at Metropolitan Vascular Institute
What is an IVC filter, and why would I need one?
An Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filter is a small, cage-like device placed in the large vein that carries blood from your lower body to your heart. It helps prevent blood clots from traveling to the lungs, which could lead to a serious condition called a pulmonary embolism (PE). IVC filters are often used for patients who cannot take blood thinners or when blood-thinning medications aren’t effective enough.
Is the placement of an IVC filter permanent?
IVC filters can be either temporary or permanent, depending on your medical needs. For many patients, the filter is only necessary for a short period and can be removed once the risk of clots has decreased. Your doctor at Metropolitan Vascular Institute will closely monitor your condition and determine when it’s safe to remove the filter.
How is the filter removed?
If your IVC filter needs to be removed, the process is also minimally invasive. Your physician will use a catheter to retrieve the filter through the same vein it was placed in. Removal is generally safe, though your doctor will assess any risks involved based on how long the filter has been in place.
What is thoracentesis, and why is it performed?
Thoracentesis is a procedure used to remove excess fluid from the space between the lungs and the chest wall, known as the pleural space. This buildup of fluid, called pleural effusion, can make it difficult to breathe and may be caused by infections, heart failure, or other conditions. Thoracentesis helps relieve symptoms like shortness of breath and chest discomfort.
What happens after the procedure?
After thoracentesis, you may be monitored for a short time to ensure no complications arise, such as a collapsed lung (pneumothorax). Most patients can go home the same day. Your doctor may also send a sample of the removed fluid for analysis to help diagnose the underlying cause of the pleural effusion.
What is a tunneled pleural catheter, and when is it used?
A tunneled pleural catheter is a flexible tube that is placed into the pleural space to drain fluid regularly and is commonly used for patients with recurrent pleural effusions, such as those caused by cancer. This catheter allows for long-term fluid drainage at home, reducing the need for repeated hospital visits.
How is the catheter placed?
The procedure to place a tunneled pleural catheter is performed under local anesthesia, with some patients receiving light sedation. A small incision is made in the chest, and the catheter is carefully positioned into the pleural space. The catheter is tunneled under the skin, which helps reduce the risk of infection. Once placed, it can be used to drain fluid as needed, typically a few times a week.
Is it safe to manage the catheter at home?
Yes, managing a tunneled pleural catheter at home is generally safe and straightforward. You and your caregivers will be trained on how to drain the fluid and keep the site clean to prevent infection. Follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider will ensure the catheter is functioning properly, and any concerns can be addressed promptly.
