Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement is a procedure in which a filter is inserted into the inferior vena cava, the large vein that returns blood from the lower body to the heart. The filter is designed to catch blood clots before they can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism (PE).

This procedure is typically recommended for patients at high risk of PE, such as those with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) who cannot take blood-thinning medications. The IVC filter helps prevent life-threatening complications by intercepting clots before they reach the lungs.

IVC filter placement is an effective way to reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism and enhance the safety of patients with clotting disorders or venous thromboembolism.