Inferior Vena Cava Filters

The inferior vena cava filter is a device inserted into the inferior vena cava by interventional radiologist to prevent a blood cot or pieces of the clot from getting to the heart or  lungs and causing a fatal injury. It is used for patients who have been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis.

Clots formed in DVT can release or pieces of the clot can release and travel through the venous system to the heart or lungs. A clot that reaches the lungs is called a pulmonary embolism, and can lead to sudden death. The inferior vena cava filter, placed via catheter using fluoroscopic guidance, is deployed in the optimum location to catch any pieces of the clot traveling through the venous system.  

Learn more about inferior vena cava filters from the National Center of Biotechnology.

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