What is an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter?
• It is a filter that is placed in the inferior vena cava, 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 yo
