what is ivc

IVC stands for Inferior Vena Cava, which is a large vein in the abdomen that carries blood from the lower part of the body back to the heart. An IVC filter is a small device that can be placed in the IVC to stop blood clots from going up into the lungs. The filter catches blood clots and stops them from moving up to the heart and lungs, which helps to prevent a pulmonary embolism. An IVC filter is one method to help prevent pulmonary embolism, and it is placed by interventional radiologists using live x-rays (fluoroscopy) through a small pinhole in the neck or groin.