IVC Filter Placement

Blood clots in the legs are a common problem that sends patients to the hospital or emergency room. They are typically treated with blood-thinning medication. One danger with blood clots is that they may break off and travel to your lungs.

Some patients may not be able to take these medications, in which case a filter must be placed in the Inferior Vena Cava to prevent large clots from traveling to the lungs.

At Vascular & Interventional Specialists, the team can quickly place IVC filters in their state-of-the-art facility so that you can get home quickly. Call the Fort Worth, Texas, office today or schedule a visit online. 

What is an IVC filter?

An IVC filter is a small metal device placed inside the inferior vena cava (IVC), the body’s main vein that returns blood to the heart. The filter prevents blood clots from reaching your heart and lungs.

When a blood clot enters the lungs, it’s called a pulmonary embolism (PE). It can cause hypertension (high blood pressure), weaken your heart, and cause breathing difficulties. Pulmonary embolisms are fatal in about 33% of people who develop them.

An IVC filter can prevent these complications and help protect your health when you’re at risk of PE.

Who might need IVC filter placement?

IVC filters are placed for people with blood clots in their legs (deep vein thrombosis — DVT), PE, or who are at risk of clot formation.

The standard treatment for blood clots is blood thinner medication. But, some people can’t take blood thinners, including people with a history of:

• Stomach ulcers
• Digestive tract bleeding
• Bleeding disorders
• Brain bleeds
• Recent or planned surgery
• Uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Physical trauma (injury)

Other conditions and circumstances, like having a high risk of falls due to age or mobility problems, can mean you’re not a good candidate for blood thinners.

What is IVC filter placement like? 

IVC filter placement is minimally invasive. Your Vascular & Interventional Specialists surgeon creates a tiny cut in your groin or neck and advances a thin, long tube (catheter) into your body to reach the IVC.

The catheter contains a deflated filter. Your doctor positions the filter using live X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy) and withdraws the catheter.

The filter expands to fit into the IVC walls snugly. Blood flows normally, but large clots can’t get through the filter. Your body’s own natural anticoagulants (blood thinners) break the clots down over time.

After IVC filter placement, you’ll remain for a short period of observation and can return home quickly. 

Later, after the risk of a pulmonary embolism has passed, or if you become a candidate for blood thinning drugs, your doctor could recommend IVC filter removal. 

To learn more about IVC filter placement, phone Vascular & Interventional Specialists now or click the online scheduler.