Inferior vena cava filter

An inferior vena cava filter, also IVC filter or Greenfield Filter a type of vascular filter, is a medical device that is implanted by interventional radiologists or vascular surgeons into the inferior vena cava to prevent fatal pulmonary emboli (PEs).IVC filters are used in case of contraindication to anticoagulation, failure of anticoagulation or complication to anticoagulation in patients who have a venous thromboembolic disease or in prophylactic use for patients with a high risk of pulmonary embolism.

Placement

IVC filters are placed endovascularly, meaning that they are inserted via the blood vessels. Historically, IVC filters were placed surgically, but as designs changed they could be placed via the groin through a thin tube or catheter. With modern filters that can be compressed into much thinner catheters, access to the venous system can be obtained via the femoral vein (the large vein in the groin), the internal jugular vein (the large vein in the neck) or the arm veins with one design. Choice of route depends mainly on the number and location of any blood clot within the venous system. To place the filter, a catheter is guided into the IVC using fluoroscopic guidance, then the filter is pushed through the catheter and deployed into the desired location, usually just below the junction of the IVC and the lowest renal vein.

Review of prior cross-sectional imaging or a venogram of the IVC is performed before deploying the filter to assess for potential...
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