Interventional Radiology

An IVC filter is placed in the inferior vena cava, the principal vein that connects your leg veins with your heart, to trap blood clots. Clots that develop in the veins of the legs or pelvis can migrate to the heart and lungs, a potentially life-threatening condition. The filter protects the lungs from these clots.

The filter may be placed from below via an incision made in the groin or from above via an incision in the neck. After anaesthetising the skin, a small incision is made and a catheter is inserted into the vein. Through this tube, the interventional radiologist will insert the filter into the IVC.

Once placed, the filter may be left in situ or may be removed once it has served its purpose. The tube in your neck or hip will be removed and light pressure will be applied until the bleeding has stopped.