IVC Filters: Frequently Asked Questions

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter candidates may have many concerns about the device, the insertion procedure and the risks. Asking questions — and getting accurate answers — can help alleviate anxieties. These frequently asked questions (FAQs) can help patients have informed conversations with physicians.

Last Modified: September 5, 2023
Fact Checked
Medically Reviewed

Board-certified physicians medically review Drugwatch.com content to ensure its accuracy and quality.

Drugwatch.com partners with Physicians’ Review Network Inc. to enlist specialists. PRN is a nationally recognized leader in providing independent medical reviews.

Reviewer specialties include internal medicine, gastroenterology, oncology, orthopedic surgery and psychiatry.

Why Trust DrugWatch?

Drugwatch.com has been empowering patients for more than a decade

Drugwatch.com has provided reliable, trusted information about medications, medical devices and general health since 2008. We’ve also connected thousands of people injured by drugs and medical devices with top-ranked national law firms to take action against negligent corporations.

Our team includes experienced medical writers, award-winning journalists, researchers and certified medical and legal experts. Drugwatch.com is HONCode (Health On the Net Foundation) certified. This means the high-quality information we provide comes from credible sources, such as peer-reviewed medical journals and expert interviews.

The information on Drugwatch.com has been medically and legally reviewed by more than 30 expert contributors, including doctors, pharmacists, lawyers, patient advocates and other health care professionals. Our writers are members of professional associations, including American Medical Writers Association, American Bar Association, The Alliance of Professional Health Advocates and International Society for Medical Publication Professionals.

About Drugwatch.com

  • Assisting patients and their families since 2008.
  • Helped more than 12,000 people find legal help.
  • A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
  • 5-star reviewed medical and legal information site.
Learn More About Us

Testimonials

"Drugwatch opened my eyes to the realities of big pharmacy. Having a family member with major depression and anxiety, I was looking for information on her medications. I found information that was very helpful, that her psychiatrist never told her."
Marianne Zahren Patient’s Family Member
  • Google Business Rating
  • BBB A+ Rating Logo

What Is an IVC Filter?

An IVC filter, also called an inferior vena cava filter, is a small metallic device that is placed in the inferior vena cava (the largest vein in the body) to prevent blood clots from moving from the legs to the heart and lungs.

Who Needs IVC Filters?

IVC filters are used in patients who are at risk of developing blood clots in the legs, or who have a history of blood clots in the deep veins (deep vein thrombosis) or in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). Any condition that slows blood flow through the veins can put a patient at risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), including trauma, recent surgery, immobility or pregnancy.

What Are IVC Filter Benefits?

There is no surgical incision. IVC filters are inserted using catheters. The insertion site does not require stitches. Also, the IVC filter has a high success rate in preventing pulmonary embolism in patients who have not previously had success with, or cannot be given, conventional medical treatments, such as blood thinner medications.

What Could go Wrong?

There is always a risk of infection in any procedure where the skin is penetrated. Other risks related to the insertion of a catheter include damage to the blood vessel, and bruising or bleeding at the insertion site. IVC filters carry their own risks as well. A 2022 report published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery noted that IVC filter complications were between 1.8% and 3.1%. Patients should discuss all risks of the procedure specific to their case with their doctor.

Lawsuit Information
More than 14,000 IVC filter lawsuits have been filed against IVC filter makers C.R. Bard and Cook Medical. Learn about pending cases.
View Lawsuits

Should I Change My Medications?

In most cases, a patient is not required to stop taking blood thinners or change the dosage prior to an IVC filter placement or removal procedure. Each patient is different, however, and should speak with their doctor about all prescription and non-prescriptions medications or supplements they are currently taking. Patients taking insulin may have to adjust the dosage before the procedure. Diuretics, taken to increase urination, may need to be stopped the day of the procedure.

Fact
Certain medications, including blood thinners, aspirin and NSAIDs, may need to be stopped, or treatment regimens changed, prior to an IVC filter placement procedure.

Is Eating or Drinking OK?

Patients are usually advised not to eat or drink after midnight the day of their procedure. Water is usually allowed in moderation up until two hours before the procedure. Patients should avoid eating a large or heavy meal the night before their procedure.

Is Anesthesia Involved?

A local anesthetic is typically given intravenously, or through an IV, to prevent pain in the specific area where the IV filter will be placed. A sedative, also administered by IV, can be given in the alternative. Both medications will make the patient feel sleepy and relaxed.

When Can I Leave?

Most patients are discharged from the hospital between three to four hours after the procedure. An overnight stay is rarely required for observation.

Can I Drive Home?

No. Patients should arrange for a ride or to have someone take them home after the procedure.

What's Recovery Like?

Patients may feel tired or experience pain for several days after an IVC filter placement or removal procedure. Rest and over-the-counter pain medicines can help to relieve these symptoms. Most patients can resume physical activities, such as biking, jogging, weight-lifting or aerobic exercise, after one to two days, or when the doctor gives his or her approval. Drink plenty of water after the procedure, and check with your doctor about when you can resume taking certain medicines.

Fact
Recovery time from an IVC filter placement procedure is generally short, typically lasting less than one week.

How Should I Treat the Insertion Site?

The site where the IVC filter was inserted should remain bandaged for at least the first day, or as otherwise advised by your doctor. Bruising may be apparent. Ice not applied directly to the skin can be used for 10 to 20 minutes at a time several times a day to reduce pain and swelling.

When Should I Follow Up With My Doctor?

A follow-up appointment will generally take place between four to six weeks after the procedure. Patients should call their doctor right away if they develop fever, chest pain, persistent headache or nausea, pain around the insertion site that doesn’t go away after taking medicine, or bleeding, drainage, redness or swelling at the insertion site.

Can my IVC Filter be removed?

In most cases, when it is no longer needed, the IVC filter can, and should, (to avoid long-term complications) be removed (when it is the removable type). When scar tissue has formed, embedding the IVC filter to the vein, it can make removal difficult or impossible. In such cases, the IVC filter may remain in place.

Please seek the advice of a medical professional before making health care decisions.