When Is an IVC Filter Needed?

The circulatory system is a marvel of intricate pathways. These blood vessels transport oxygen-rich blood throughout your body and send oxygen-poor blood back to your heart and lungs for replenishment.

Your inferior vena cava (IVC) is the largest vein in your body. It moves blood from your lower body to your heart. Unfortunately, if a blood clot enters your IVC, it can lead to serious complications like pulmonary embolism (PE).

If you’re at risk of blood clots, you might need an IVC filter — a device that prevents blood clots from traveling to your heart and lungs. Our team at Vascular & Interventional Specialists, located in Miami, Florida, specializes in IVC filter placement, and we’re here to answer your questions.

Here’s what you need to know about IVC filters and how one could help protect your health.

All about IVC filters

An IVC filter is a small medical device placed into your IVC. These filters are made of metal or synthetic materials, and they look like a small cage or umbrella with thin wire struts extending from a central hub.

The primary function of an IVC filter is to trap blood clots and prevent them from reaching vital organs, including your heart and lungs. Getting an IVC filter involves a minimally invasive outpatient procedure.

We use fluoroscopy (medical imaging) to see your veins. Then, we guide the IVC filter into your IVC. In most cases, we place the filter just below your renal veins, which are the veins that carry blood from your kidneys.

Once in position, the filter's struts expand to create a scaffold. Blood flows freely around it, but if a blood clot travels through your IVC, it will get trapped and stopped from moving further. 

Do you need an IVC filter?

IVC filters stop blood clots from reaching your heart and lungs. An IVC filter could be a good option if you’re at an increased risk of developing blood clots.

Our team takes a comprehensive approach to circulatory care, and we perform a thorough health evaluation before recommending treatment. A few scenarios where an IVC filter might be needed are:

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

DVT develops when blood clots form in the deep veins of your body, typically your legs. If you’ve had DVT or are at high risk of developing it, an IVC filter can help prevent these clots from traveling to your lungs.

Pulmonary embolism

If you’ve experienced PE or have a history of blood clots, we may recommend an IVC filter to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Surgery or trauma

Major surgeries or trauma, especially those involving your pelvis and lower extremities, can increase your risk of blood clot formation. In these cases, we sometimes recommend IVC filters as a preventive measure.

Anticoagulant intolerance

Anticoagulant medications thin your blood to help prevent clots. However, some people can’t take anticoagulant drugs due to allergies, bleeding disorders, or other medical conditions. If that’s the case for you, an IVC filter is an alternative solution.

If you’re at risk of blood clots, an IVC filter could be a valuable tool to prevent the potentially life-threatening consequences of blood clots. Learn more about your treatment options with a consultation at Vascular & Interventional Specialists in Miami, Florida.Call our office at 305-230-4664 or request an appointment online to get started.