Inferior Vena Cava (Ivc) Filter Placement

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

• Care notes
• Discharge
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IVC 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 device 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

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You have chest pain when you take a deep breath or cough.
• You cough up blood.
• You feel lightheaded and short of breath.

Seek care immediately if:

• Blood soaks through your bandage.
• Your incision has come apart.
• You feel like you are going to faint.
• Your nails or lips look blue.
• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.

Call your doctor if:

• You have a fever.
• You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
• Your wound is red, swollen, or draining pus.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• Antibiotics help prevent or fight an infection caused by bacteria.
• Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Self-care:

• Care for the procedure area as directed. Keep the area clean and dry. When you are allowed to bathe, carefully wash the area with soap and water. Gently dry the area and put on new, clean bandages if directed to. Check the area for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus.
• Limit activity. Do not lift, pull, or push until your healthcare provider says it is okay. Slowly start to do more each day. Return to your daily activities as directed.
• Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause heart and lung damage. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.

IVC filter removal:

An IVC filter is usually removed when the risk for a blood clot has decreased. You may be able to take a blood thinner medicine and no longer need a filter. Your healthcare provider will tell you when you may be able to have the filter removed.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

You may need to return to have the procedure area checked. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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