Inferior vena cava filter

An inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is a small device placed in the large vein that carries blood from the lower body to the heart. Its purpose is to catch large blood clots that may travel from the legs or pelvis, preventing these clots from reaching the lungs and causing a life-threatening condition called a pulmonary embolism. The filter typically remains in place long-term or can be removed later if no longer needed. It’s often used for patients at high risk of clotting who cannot take blood-thinning medications or for those who have had clots in the past.