IVC Filters
The doctor puts a small filter into the inferior vena cava. This is a large vein in your abdomen. The filter catches blood clots that may go into your lungs.
What is a vena cava filter?
A vena cava filter is a small metal device that stops blood clots from traveling to your lungs (pulmonary embolism). Healthcare providers use two types of vena cava filter:
Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter: An IVC filter stops blood clots from your lower body.
Superior vena cava (SVC) filter: An SVC filter stops blood clots from your upper body.
How does an IVC filter work?
Your surgeon inserts the IVC filter into your inferior vena cava, a large vein in your abdomen. The inferior vena cava moves blood from your lower body to your heart. Your heart pumps this blood to your lungs to get oxygen. Blood flows through the IVC filter, but it traps any blood clots before they reach your lungs.
How does an IVC filter work?
Your surgeon inserts the IVC filter into your inferior vena cava, a large vein in your abdomen. The inferior vena cava moves blood from your lower body to your heart. Your heart pumps this blood to your lungs to get oxygen. Blood flows through the IVC filter, but it traps any blood clots before they reach your lungs.
Who needs to have an IVC filter?
You may need an IVC filter if you have blood clots in your veins (venous thromboembolism or VTE) and:
Can’t take blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants). This may be due to health issues, such as excessive bleeding, or a negative reaction.
Have many episodes of VTE, even while taking blood-thinning medications.
Have or have had a blood clot in a vein deep in your body — deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Have or have had a blood clot in your lung (pulmonary embolism) and are at high risk of recurrence.
Providers may recommend an IVC filter when you’re at higher risk of VTE due to:
Pregnancy.
Restricted movement (immobilization), due to trauma or surgery.
What happens during IVC filter placement?
Vena cava filter placement usually takes about one hour. During IVC filter placement:
Your surgical team inserts an IV into a vein in your hand or arm. You get a sedative to relax you.
Your surgical team shaves hair (if needed) and cleans your skin with an antiseptic solution. They use a local anesthetic to numb the area where they’ll insert a long, thin tube (catheter).
Your surgeon makes a small incision in your neck or groin. They place the catheter through a vein that leads to your inferior vena cava.
Your surgeon uses pulses of an X-ray (fluoroscopy) to guide the catheter to your IVC. They may send X-ray dye (contrast material) through the catheter to more clearly see your IVC.
Your surgeon places the IVC filter in your IVC. The filter expands and attaches to your IVC’s walls.
Once your surgical team finishes your surgery, they remove the catheter and IV. They close and bandage the incision on your neck or groin.
What happens after IVC filter placement?
After vena cava filter placement, you’ll need to recover for a few hours at the hospital. Your surgical team will monitor your heart rate and breathing. If you have pain, your healthcare providers will offer pain medication. You also may have nausea or vomiting, which shouldn’t last long.
You can usually go home the same day as your surgery. You’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home.