Vena Cava Filter

A vena cava filter is a small, cage-like device placed in the large vein (vena cava) that carries blood from the lower body to the heart. Its purpose is to catch blood clots before they reach the lungs, where they could cause a life-threatening condition called a pulmonary embolism. Usually used for patients at high risk of clotting or those who can't take blood thinners, the filter acts as a physical barrier to prevent dangerous clots from traveling upward. It can be temporary or permanent, and placement is typically done through minimally invasive procedures.