A tool to catch blood clots before they reach the lungs
The inferior vena cava (IVC) is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower body back to the heart. If you have deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot has formed in one or more of the deep veins in your body, usually the legs. If these blood clots break loose, it can travel through the inferior vena cava to the heart and lungs and cause a potentially life-threatening condition known as a pulmonary embolism.
An IVC filter is a small, wiry device that can stop blood clots from reaching the heart and lungs. Once the IVC filter is placed using a minimally invasive procedure, blood flows past the filter but clots are trapped.
What to expect during IVC filter placement
You may be asked to not eat or drink before the procedure. An IV will be inserted in your arm or hand to provide sedation to relax you. A small amount of hair on your neck or groin area may be shaved where the incision will be made.
The surgeon will make a small puncture in your neck or groin and insert a long, flexible tube called a catheter that carries the filter. Using X-ray, the surgeon will guide the catheter to the inferior vena cava and place the filter, which will attach itself to the walls of the blood vessel. The catheter will then be removed and you will be taken to a recovery area to be monitored for several hours. You likely will be able to return home the same day.
Conditions
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
A blood clot that typically affects the legs and arms and can travel through the bloodstream to the heart, lungs, or brain and cause a stroke or pulmonary embolism.
May-thurner syndrome (MTS)
A compression of the main vein in your left leg between the right pelvic artery and the spine. This compression can cause deep vein thrombosis or chronic venous insufficiency.
Tests
Computerized tomography (CT) scan
The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.
Fluoroscopy
A fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that uses a continuous X-ray beam passed through the body to create real-time, moving images of your internal structures.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets, and computer technology to create images of your heart and blood vessels.
Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
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Steven David Abramowitz, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Kehinde Oluwatoyin Adedulu, FNP MSN
Vascular Surgery & Cardiology
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Sonya Alekseyev, BSN FNPBC MSN
Vascular Surgery
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Kevin Arthur Brown, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Jason Ryan Crowner, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Erin M. Hanlon, MPAS PA
Vascular Surgery
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Elena Kathryn Lages, AGACNP-BC MSN
Critical Care Medicine
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Marissa Mallari Magtanong, AGNP MSN
Vascular Surgery
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Krystal C. Maloni, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Donna Yvonne Norris, FNPBC MSN
Vascular Surgery
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Dana Lurae Parker, MSN NP
Cardiology & Vascular Surgery
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Melisha Renee Spahr, AGPCNP MSN
Interventional Radiology
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Stephen Fulvio Stanziale, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Lauren M. Storey, MSN NP
Urgent Care, Cardiology & Vascular Surgery
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Huasong Tang, MD
Interventional Radiology
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Asmeret Tewolde, FNP-C
Vascular Surgery
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Our locations
Distance from Change locationEnter your location
MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital - Calvert Street Building
3300 North Calvert Street First Floor Baltimore, MD 21218
410-261-8226
MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Washington Hospital Center - Physician Office Building
106 Irving Street NW Physician Office Bldg. Suite 3150 North Tower Washington, DC 20010
202-877-0456
MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
3800 Reservoir Road Northwest Pasquerilla Healthcare Center Building 4 Washington, DC 20007
877-367-2434
Insurance
MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans. If you are uncertain as to whether your individual health insurance plan is accepted at MedStar Health, please call your insurance company.