Inferior vena cava filter placement is a procedure to place a filter into your inferior vena cava (IVC). The IVC is a large blood vessel that brings blood from your lower body back to your heart. The filter is a small mesh device. It is placed in the center of the IVC to trap blood clots going to your heart or lungs. You may need an IVC filter if you have a blood clot in your leg. You may also need an IVC filter if your risk of blood clots is increased, such as after surgery or during pregnancy. You may need a temporary or permanent filter. Vena cava filters are special devices that are inserted into the main vein (vena cava) to prevent blood clots from moving from the vein in the legs to the lung, which would result in a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

What will happen during IVC filter placement?

Cardiologist will insert a catheter (thin plastic tube) into a blood vessel in your neck or groin. He or she will use an ultrasound or x-ray to guide the catheter into your IVC. The filter will be pushed through the catheter and attached to the walls of the IVC.
The catheter will be pulled out, and the filter will be left in. Your cardiologist will press firmly on the area where the catheter went in, to stop any bleeding. After a few minutes, he or she will put a bandage over the area