Vascular disease patient information page. Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters.

IVC filters are medical devices that are placed in the large vein of the abdomen to prevent blood clots from traveling from the veins of the legs to the lungs. They are most commonly used when a patient cannot receive blood thinners to treat leg blood clots (DVT). IVC filter insertion can be done as an outpatient under local anesthesia, with only a puncture to a vein in the leg or neck. Most IVC filters are designed to be removed when no longer necessary. IVC filter complications are uncommon.