Treatments

Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filter placement is a minimally invasive procedure used to prevent pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients who have deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or are at high risk of developing clots that could travel to the lungs. The IVC filter is a small, cage-like device inserted into the inferior vena cava—the large vein that carries blood from the lower body to the heart—to trap blood clots before they reach the lungs. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia using fluoroscopic guidance, with access usually through the femoral or jugular vein. IVC filters can be permanent or retrievable, depending on the patient’s condition and risk factors. While they do not treat existing clots, they serve as a protective measure against life-threatening pulmonary embolism, especially in patients who cannot take anticoagulant medications.

Indications

• Recurrent pulmonary embolism despite anticoagulation
• Contraindication to anticoagulant therapy
• High-risk patients with DVT and risk of PE

Procedure Steps

• Access through femoral or jugular vein
• Catheter advanced to the inferior vena cava under fluoroscopic guidance
• IVC filter deployed at the appropriate level below the renal veins
• Post-deployment imaging to confirm correct positioning

Benefits

• Reduces risk of pulmonary embolism
• Minimally invasive
• Can be removed later if retrievable filter used

Risks / Complications

• Filter migration or tilt
• IVC perforation or injury
• Deep vein thrombosis at the filter site
• Rare filter fracture or embolization