Overview:
An inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is a small device that can stop blood clots from going up into the lungs. The inferior vena cava is a large vein in the middle of your body. The device is put in during a short surgery.
Causes:
Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are placed in patients who have a history of or are at risk of developing blood clots in the legs, including patients:
- diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- with pulmonary embolus.
- who are trauma victims.
- who are immobile.
IVC filters are used when patients cannot be successfully treated by other methods, including blood thinning agents.