An IVC Filter is a small metal device designed to prevent blood clots from traveling to the lungs. The filter is placed in the inferior vena cava (the large vein that takes blood back to the heart) typically just below the kidneys using a catheter type deployment device.
A catheter is inserted through a small incision in your groin or neck into a large vein. The physician uses the catheter to guide the filter into place in the inferior vena cava under x-ray guidance. The vena cava is imaged and sized prior to filter deployment. The catheter is removed, and a small bandage is placed over the insertion site.
IVC Retrieval
For many patients, the need for an IVC filter is only temporary. To avoid potential long term complications, we advise removing the filter as soon as it is no longer needed. Our team of interventional practitioners will contact the patient and referring physician to coordinate this removal.
For more information please visit https://www.sirweb.org/patient-center/deep-vein-thrombosis/
