Removing Tiny Filter Embedded in Vein Takes Expertise Unique to Stanford Hospital
Susan Karnstedt's Greenfield filter punctured a major vein and her small intestine. Dr. William Kuo removed the filter, treating her pain and saving her life.
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The IVC Filter Clinic offers patient consults, scheduling, coordination, follow up, and education. We invite you to explore your treatment options at Stanford IR, and we look forward to managing any issues related to your IVC filter.
I was a little out of it by the end of my surgery yesterday and was not able to fully express my thanks and gratitude to you. I am so glad that God allowed me to somehow find you.
I love my job and life. I have no fear of dying but right now is not a good time. I was worried about everything and you comforted me and that allowed me to comfort my family. I have strong faith and meeting you and you helping me only made it stronger.
I have already emailed your business card to my doctors that could not retrieve my filter. I notified them that you are the man to see if they ever have this issue again. I still amazed at how quick and easy you made it seem. I pray that you are able to help many many more people continue to develop ways to do the impossible.
I can't find any words that actually translate how I feel. Again, thank you and to your team. Thank you Stanford. I look forward to telling as many people possible about the amazing things you are doing out here.
Dr. Kuo,
Today is my 28th birthday, and I just wanted to drop you an email to thank you for removing my IVC filter.
As I told you when I first met with you at the clinic, my goal for that trip to California was to go home with a photo of me standing in front of the Golden Gate Bridge, filter-free.
Since that August 2013 trip to Stanford, I have also made my first trip to New York City, a trip with my family, and a trip to Cabo with my best friend. I would not have been able to do any of this before you removed my filter. I am able to play golf again, and have been taking weekly lessons since December, making up for all the golfing I missed because of the pain from my perforated IVC filter. I just played in a tournament on April 21st, and I won ladies' longest drive. In all honesty, that was probably more luck than skill on my part, but I tell you this because prior to my filter removal, I couldn't even swing a club.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Not only have you lengthened my life, you have raised the quality of my life to a level I had never imagined.
I wore a medical alert bracelet for all of my seven years on blood thinner, and I have now replaced it with a bracelet that is engraved with "VIII.IX.MMXIII." August 9, 2013, the day you changed my life by removing my filter. I wear it every single day.
The work you are doing at Stanford is invaluable. Thank you for your great mind, your genuineness, and your passion.
Dr. Kuo has redefined the word "permanent." Seven years ago an inferior vena cava (ivc) filter was inserted into my body. It was considered a permanent filter and I was originally told it could not be taken out. After a few years, I started to feel sharp chest pains and few other unusual symptoms. I knew something was wrong. I contacted Dr. Kuo and upon further diagnostic tests it was evident that it needed to be removed. My life depended on it.
Dr. Kuo's demeanor and bedside manner were the best I have ever experienced and more importantly was his stellar performance and skill in successfully removing the filter near my heart. I no longer experience the painful symptoms I had prior to the procedure and the high risk factors of the permanent filter are now gone.
My endless gratitude for Dr. Kuo's expertise and determination will last a lifetime. Dr. Kuo is truly a pioneer in the field of modern medicine. Thank you Dr. Kuo!
Dr. Kuo is a kind man with an a bedside manor. He genuinely cares about his patients. He called me up one Saturday after my local Radiologist referred me to him. I felt immediately comfortable as there was no clock ticking. He took all the time necessary to explain his technique and he answered all my questions. I flew out to San Jose to go to his clinic. I saw him the same day and he went over everything one more time. The following day I went under the Laser. I had total confidence in this Man, and his well trained staff made my experience that much more enjoyable. I was released the same day and walked out of the clinic less one Tulip filter which he removed with the greatest of ease. I would highly recommend Dr. Kuo and his staff to anyone and would not hesitate to use him again. It's easy to see why he has won the awards that he holds. Thank you so very much Dr. Kuo and the wonderful people who work alongside of you.
I do not know how to ever thank you for helping me. I am so grateful to have found you, with such knowledge, experience, talent and kindness. I feel like you saved my life. I was so scared that something bad would happen if that filter stayed in my vena cava. You are truly the best of the best, and I will always be grateful to you for getting this filter out.
This morning, I ran 13.1 miles in the Brooklyn Half Marathon in 2 hours and 20 minutes! This would not have been possible without your help! Thank you so much!!!
I can't thank you enough for being not only an amazingly skilled doctor but also a compassionate and caring individual. Your follow through is nothing short of remarkable. I take great comfort in knowing others will get to have the same experience I did.
It has been a year after the surgery, and I am doing well thanks to you. I am off the anticoagulants which enabled me to resume my Karate training. I was able to pass my Sandan (3rd degree black belt) test thanks to you.
Dr. Kuo is pure genius. No one else would even try to remove my IVC filter since it was considered irremovable. His technique is pure genius. Also, he is a very caring, kind individual. I traveled 3000 miles and it was worth the trip.
Dr. Kuo took out my filter that was in place for a couple years. My local doctor was unable to do the job. Dr. Kuo is top notch in my book. :)
Words cannot express the gratitiude I have for Dr. Kuo. He not only excels in his expertise, knowledge and skills, but his poise, mannerism, caring, politeness and relationship with patient and family is truly an art in medicine.
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.
I feel like a new man. I can exercise, like before my accident, and no cramps. Hallelujah.
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.
Susan Karnstedt's Greenfield filter punctured a major vein and her small intestine. Dr. William Kuo removed the filter, treating her pain and saving her life.
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