What is an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter?

Inferior vena cava (IVC) is a filter that is placed in the inferior vena cava (IVC), which is a large vein that connects your leg veins with your heart.

• The IVC filter traps blood clots.
   

Why do I need an IVC filter?

• Sometimes, clots develop in the veins in your legs, called deep vein thrombosis.
• A clot, or a piece of it, can move out of your leg and flow towards your heart and lungs.
• Clots in the lung can be life-threatening.
• The filter protects the lungs from these life-threatening clots.

Where is the IVC filter placement performed?

It is performed in the Interventional Radiology Department.

Who will perform the IVC filter placement?

One of our specially trained Interventional Radiologists.

What can I expect before the IVC filter placement?

• You will see one of our doctors and/or nurse clinicians, who will obtain a health history, perform a brief physical exam, explain the procedure and answer your questions.
• You will have blood drawn.
• You will have an IV (intravenous) catheter started if you do not have one already.
• You will sign a consent form.

What can I expect during the IVC filter placement?

• You will be attached to a monitor so that IV (intravenous) medicines can be given to relax you.
• Your hip or neck area will be cleaned with special soap.
• The skin over the hip or neck area will be numbed with a special medicine through a needle.
• After making a small incision, the doctor will insert a small tube into a vein.
• Through this tube, the doctor will insert the filter into the large vein IVC in your belly.
• X-ray dye will be injected through the tube to check the placement of the filter.
• Once the filter is placed, it immediately begins filtering all the blood going to the lungs from the legs.
• The tube in your neck or hip will be removed and light pressure will be held until the bleeding has stopped.

What can I expect after the IVC filter is placed?

• You will be on bedrest for 4 hours after the filter is placed.
• You will return to your hospital room to continue to be observed.

What are the risks of having an IVC filter placed?

• Bleeding at the incision site.
• Infection at the incision site.
• Damage to the vein used to insert the filter.
• Complete clotting of the IVC filter.

What are the benefits of having an IVC filter placed?

To protect your lungs from life threatening blood clots.

What are the alternatives to having an IVC filter placed?

You could be treated with bedrest and blood thinning medication.