Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter Placement & Removal

The inferior vena cava (IVC) is the major vein that carries blood from the lower body back to the heart, where it is pumped through the lungs to receive oxygen. If a blood clot develops in the legs or pelvis, it can travel to the lungs and cause a blockage called a pulmonary embolism. An IVC filter helps reduce this risk by catching large clots and stopping them from reaching the heart and lungs. This tiny device can be placed in the vein using only a needle.

IVC filters often are used for people who’ve had a pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis (a serious type of blood clot), or other blood-clotting conditions for which medications such as blood thinners cannot be used. To prevent long-term problems, IVC filters are eventually removed from patients in most cases, after their blood clot risk has passed or once medication alone is enough to manage their risk.

Patients seeking treatment for simple to complex vein problems can count on the experts at the UAB Vein Clinic for comprehensive evaluations, specialized treatment, and compassionate care. As central Alabama’s leading vein center, the UAB Vein Clinic provides the most advanced surgical, minimally invasive, and cosmetic treatments, which are performed by vascular specialists and medical experts who are specially trained in vein disease.

The clinic provides outpatient care at UAB Hospital-Highlands, and more involved treatments and vascular surgeries are performed at UAB Hospital. When you choose UAB Medicine to care for your vein condition, you get immediate access to experienced providers who deliver the latest and most effective treatment options.

Vein Clinic
UAB Hospital-Highlands
1201 11th Avenue South
Birmingham, Alabama

Resources

• Patient Forms and Information
• UAB Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy
• YouTube: PBS – National Medical Reporter Video – Compression
• American Venous Forum
• Society for Vascular Surgery
• Healthy Veins
• Vascular Cures

Related Specialties

• Deep Vein Thrombosis
• Pulmonary Embolism
• Vascular Disease
• Vein Clinic