August 03, 2019 - The inferior vena cava returns blood from the lower body to the heart, and should a blood clot form in the legs, the IVC filter catches the clot before it can cause serious damage. Generally, only those who have a significant risk of developing a pulmonary embolism, and who cannot take blood thinning drugs, are candidates for an IVC filter.

May 07, 2018 - If you have been implanted with a retrievable IVC filter and have heard many of the safety concerns regarding these filters, you may wonder about the FDA stance on IVC filters. Retrievable IVC filters are small metal devices which are used to prevent blood clots from traveling from the legs or pelvic region to the heart or lungs. Although...

August 03, 2017 - IVC filters are tiny metal “cage-like” devices which are intended to prevent blood clots from traveling from the legs to the lungs or heart. The filter is implanted in the inferior vena cava—the largest vein which returns blood from the lower body to the heart. Prior to making the decision to implant an IVC filter, the doctor will first determine whether the patient could potentially be given a blood-thinning drug which will dissolve blood clots...

June 02, 2017 - Retrievable IVC filters are meant to be removed from the patient’s body once the threat of blood clot has passed, yet many of these filters are left in place indefinitely. The FDA, in two warning letters regarding the IVC filters, stated that most all retrievable IVC filters should be removed from the patient between 29 and 54 days after implantation. Unfortunately, most studies show that less than a third of all retrievable IVC filters are actually...