Types of IVC Filters

The inferior vena cava, or IVC, is the blood vessel that takes blood back to the heart from the lower body. A piece of metal, usually stainless steel, called an IVC filter, is inserted into the inferior vena cava to stop any blood clots in a patient’s leg from breaking free and going into the lungs. People suffering from deep vein thrombosis, or DVT; pulmonary embolism, or PE; and venous thromboembolism, or VTE, are at increased risk of life-threatening clots.

Applications

• Blood-thinning medicines known at anticoagulants are typically prescribed to patients with DVT, PE or VTE. Some patients who are at a high risk for bleeding, such as those who have suffered a recent trauma, are going to have surgery, keep developing blood clots or who have complications with bleeding, are candidates for an IVC filter. There are two types of filters that can be surgically implanted; the patient’s doctor determines the best filter for the patient.

Retrievable filters

• Retrievable IVC filters are also called optional filters. Retrievable filters are used for people who have only a temporary risk of VTE or those who have to suspend taking anticoagulants because of impending surgery or temporary problems with bleeding. Once it is determined the risk for clots has decreased, the retrievable filter is removed.

Permanent filters

• As the name implies, permanent IVC filters are inserted into the IVC blood vessel with the intention of leaving it in place for the remainder of the patient's life. This type of filter is used for elderly patients, those who can never take anticoagulants or those who have a life expectancy of less than six months.