Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filters are tiny medical devices that can prevent potentially fatal blood clots from travelling to the lungs. The filters are designed to trap blood clots and prevent them from causing pulmonary embolisms. These filters are a standard vascular interventional radiology (VIR) procedure used to treat patients with a high risk of developing blood clots.
We will outline what IVC filters are, how they work, what conditions they can treat, their benefits and potential side effects, and how you can determine if you are a candidate for this minimally invasive procedure.
IVC filters are tiny metal devices implanted into the inferior vena cava, the large vein that carries blood from the lower part of the body back to the heart. The filters are designed to capture blood clots that may form in the legs or pelvis before they travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. The filters are usually placed in patients at risk of developing blood clots, such as those who have had surgery or whose medical condition makes them prone to blood clots.
IVC filters are inserted through a small incision in the groin or neck area. They are guided to the inferior vena cava using fluoroscopy (an imaging technique that uses X-rays). The filters have tiny legs extending out to form a basket, which traps any blood clots flowing through the vein. Once the filter is in place, blood can flow freely through the device, while clots are trapped and prevented from reaching the lungs.
IVC filters are typically used to treat patients with a high risk of developing blood clots due to a medical condition, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or after surgery. IVC filters can also be used as a preventative measure for patients who cannot take anticoagulant medication to prevent blood clots.
One of the main benefits of IVC filters is that they can prevent pulmonary embolisms, which can be fatal. The procedure is minimally invasive; most patients can go home the same day. IVC filters can be removed when no longer needed, and the recovery time is relatively short.
However, there are some potential side effects associated with IVC filters. In some cases, the filters may become clogged or dislodged, which can cause complications such as damage to the vein, infection, or bleeding. In rare cases, the filter may perforate the inferior vena cava and cause internal bleeding.
Your doctor will determine if you are a candidate for IVC filter placement based on your medical history, the presence of blood clots, and other factors. Your doctor will also consider whether you can take anticoagulant medication and the potential risks and benefits of the procedure. In general, IVC filters are placed in patients with a high risk of developing blood clots and who cannot take anticoagulant medication.
IVC filters are a minimally invasive and effective option for preventing the migration of blood clots from the legs to the lungs. If you are at risk for blood clots and have a contraindication for anticoagulant therapy, talk to your doctor about whether an IVC filter may be a good option.
At Subang Jaya Medical Centre, our experienced VIR team is dedicated to providing safe and effective patient care, using the latest technology and techniques to improve patient outcomes. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our VIR specialists.