IVC Filter Placement/Removal

Prevent pulmonary embolisms with this minimally invasive procedure 

Embolisms occur when blood clots form in different parts of the body, but break off and travel to cause blockage elsewhere. Such clots often occur in the deep veins of the legs, which is known as deep vein thrombosis. Pulmonary embolisms (PEs) occur when a clot such as one in the deep veins of the leg breaks off and travel up to the lungs, where it blocks an artery. PEs can quickly become fatal if not treated and prevented, as the clot can block oxygen from travelling to tissues that need it. IVC Filters can help prevent this. 

IVC filters prevent clots in the veins from the rest of your body from travelling to your heart. 

Any circumstance that might slow blood flow in your veins increases your risk of DVT, and therefore risk of a pulmonary embolism (PE). These conditions include but aren't limited to: 

  • Any situation in which you are immobile for increased lengths of time 
    • recovery from surgery
    • extended travel 
    • medical conditions that require bed rest or limit mobility
  • Injury to a deep vein in your legs
  • Bariatric patients 
  • Genetic disorders that predispose you to increased clotting
  • Cancer treatment
  • Pregnancy; the risk of blood clot breaking off and traveling is 6 times higher then in nonpregnant women
  • Smoking
  • Advanced age

You may be eligible for IVC filter placement if you have a known hx of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and: 

  • Can’t take anticoagulant medication (blood thinners) 
  • Have hx of DVT or current clot in the deep veins
  • Have a hx of PE and have an increased risk of recurrence
  • Limited movement (long periods of travel, surgery, sedentary lifestyle)

The IVC filter placement procedure is minimally invasive and you will be able to go home the same day.

First, an IV line is put into your arm before the procedure, through which sedation will be delivered to you, so that you feel relaxed and sleepy during the procedure. Next, the incision site (usually the groin or neck) will be numbed, and your surgeon will make a small incision to gain access to a major vein that leads to the IVC. A catheter (a long, thin tube) is then inserted into this vein, and moved up into the ICV, as your physician is guided by continuous X-Rays (fluoroscopy). The filter will be sent through the catheter to your IVC, where it will expand and attack to the walls of the IVC. The catheter will then be removed, and then the incision site is closed and bandaged. 

Here is what to expect after your procedure:

  • You may experience some pain and bruising at the access site, where the catheter was inserted. 
  • You should expect to rest for at least 24 hours; avoid exercise and alcohol 
  • After 24 hours, you can shower and engage in other normal activities 

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor:

  • severe bleeding
  • high fever
  • chills
  • shortening of breath
  • new chest pain
  • nausea and vomiting
  • fluid leaking, swelling, or pain at the incision site that worsens
  • coldness or numbness in limbs 

There are many benefits to having an IVC filter placed; however, as with every procedure, there are risks. 

Pros/Benefits:

  • Minimally invasive
  • 95% effective, high rate of success in protecting lungs from pulmonary embolus 
  • Can be easily removed

Cons/Risks:

Including but not limited to 

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Filter fracture (when the filter breaks into pieces)
  • Damage to blood vessel

It is recommended that your IVC filter be removed once risk of a pulmonary embolism has passed, or when you are able to resume taking blood thinners. 

How is the IVC filter removed?

The procedure to remove the filter is very similar to that of its placement. An incision is made in the neck or groin to access a vein leading to the IVC and a catheter is inserted, through which a snare wire loop is threaded. With X-ray guidance, your surgeon will use to snare the grasp the hook on the IVC filter and retrieve the filter. 

There are some risks associated with IVC filter retrieval, including: 

  • bleeding
  • clot formation
  • other complications related to filter changing position after placement 

Conditions Treatable with IVC Filter Placement/Removal

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

  • Leg swelling
  • Leg heaviness, discomfort
  • Blood clots, pulmonary embolism
Learn More

May-Thurner Syndrome

  • Iliac vein compression syndrome
  • Venous insufficiency
  • DVT
  • Leg swelling
Learn More