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Define Ivc Filter

IVC filter, or inferior vena cava filter, is a catheter that is placed in your inferior vena cava, which is the vein located in your abdomen that returns blood to your heart from your lower body.

  1. Function

    • When clots form in the veins of the legs or pelvis, a condition known as deep venous thrombosis or DVT, it is possible that the clot could break up and pieces of the clot travel to the lungs. An IVC filter is placed to prevent these pieces of clots from traveling to the heart or lung which could cause serious problems or even death, according to the Radiology Info website.

    Permanent Filters

    • One type of filter is a permanent IVC filter. Once the permanent filter is placed in the inferior vena cava, it is never removed.

    Temporary Filters

    • Temporary IVC filters are placed in the inferior vena cava until the danger of the clot moving to the heart or lungs has passed. The doctor will then remove the IVC filter using a special catheter with a hook.

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