IVC Filter Insertion

The inferior vena cava (IVC) is the largest vein in the body (located in the abdomen and chest) returning blood from the legs and other parts of the lower body to the heart. The heart pumps this blood to the lungs, through the pulmonary arteries for purification. Blood clots that form in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) can detach and travel through the IVC and wedge itself in the pulmonary arteries (pulmonary embolism), which can be life-threatening. An IVC filter is a cone-shaped device implanted inside the IVC to help trap any blood clot that has broken loose from the legs and prevents it from reaching the lungs. The filter allows blood to flow around the captured clot.

The IVC filter is implanted by a keyhole procedure under local anaesthesia. Through a needle puncture in the groin or neck, a catheter (small tube) is introduced inside the vein that lead to the IVC. Under X-ray imaging, the path of the catheter into the IVC is tracked. Your doctor then passes the IVC filter through the catheter and the filter is deployed carefully in the IVC. The catheter is then removed and pressure is applied to the needle puncture site for a few minutes to stop bleeding.

IVC filter (Cook Celect) deployed in the IVC

Risks of IVC Filter

Like all invasive interventions, IVC filter implantation may be associated with complications such as:

• Allergic reactions to the contrast (dye)
• Injury to the vein at the site of catheter insertion
• Damage to the lungs and cause pneumothorax (air trapped in the cavity between chest wall and lungs)
• Damage to the IVC
• Shifting or tilting of the filter
• Excessive bleeding
• IVC filter itself may cause a clot
• The IVC filter may be completely blocked by clots
• The filter can migrate and damage the surrounding vital organs

For all these reasons, IVC filter insertion has to be considered only after weighing the risk and benefits carefully.