A vena cava filter may help prevent blood clots from traveling from your lower limbs to your lungs. The clots may block blood flow in the lungs. A clot that travels to the lungs may cause serious problems or even death.
The filter is shaped like an umbrella. It is placed in the large vein that returns blood to the heart from the belly and legs. This vein is called the inferior vena cava.
Your doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube called a catheter through a vein in your neck or groin and then into the vena cava. Next, the doctor uses the catheter to place the filter. The filter may be permanent or may be removed later.
Vena cava filters may be used if you can't take a medicine (called a blood thinner) that prevents blood clots.
Procedures can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your procedure.
A vena cava filter was put into the vena cava using a thin, flexible tube (catheter) that was inserted through a vein in your neck or groin. A vena cava filter may help prevent blood clots from traveling to the lungs, where they may block blood flow. The filter may be permanent, or it may be removed later.
Vena cava filters may be used if you can't take a medicine (called a blood thinner) that prevents blood clots.
After having a vena cava filter placed, you may feel tired and have some pain for several days. You may have a small bandage where the catheter was placed.
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