Inferior Vena Cava – IVC Filter Implantation Surgery
During the placement of the Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filter, a filtering device is inserted inside the IVC, a broad vein in the abdomen which returns blood to the heart from the lower half of the body. Blood clots in the legs and pelvis veins may sometimes migrate to the lungs where they can cause an embolism or blockage in the lungs.
By containing large clots and stopping them from entering the heart and lungs, IVC filters help to reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism. These are used in patients who do not respond to traditional medical treatment such as blood thinners, or can not access it.
IVF filters are placed in patients who have a history of or are at risk of developing blood clots in the legs, including patients:
- diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- with pulmonary embolus.
- who are trauma victims.
- who are immobile.