The inferior vena cava is the main vessel returning blood from the lower half of the body to the heart. This is where an IVC filter is implanted in order to prevent a blood clot from traveling to the vital organs, and is designed to filter the clot once it comes into contact with it.

IVC filters are intended to help prevent potentially fatal blood clots, particularly for people who have had an accident or surgery. IVC filters are frequently used for patients who are at risk for a pulmonary embolism, which is a blockage in one of the arteries in your lungs and can be life-threatening.

Most of the time, a pulmonary embolism is caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from the legs or from other parts of the body. IVC filters are also used when anticoagulant therapy, also known as blood thinners, cannot be used for treatment or is ineffective. In some cases IVC filters are designed to be permanent implants, however some of these devices can also be inserted temporarily.

Patients who have had IVC filters implanted as a treatment for blood clots may be at risk of potentially fatal defects with the medical device. To learn more about the complications related to IVC filters, visit our Complications page.

If you or a loved one have suffered because of an IVC filter, or have been injured, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Recovery may include compensations for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and loss of wages. To find out if you have a claim, please call Avram Blair & Associates, P.C. toll-free at (800) 679-3816 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation.