The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
Inferior vena cava filter insertion
IVC FILTER INSERTION
If you have problems with blood clotting you may need an IVC filter. Our radiology experts can help to treat you
About an IVC filter
Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter insertion is predominantly used to prevent blood clots travelling from your legs or pelvis to the lungs.
A filter is placed in the IVC, a large abdominal vein that returns blood back to the heart. The filter traps any clots, preventing them reaching the lungs or heart. This limits the chance of a pulmonary embolism.
Need to know
The IVC filter procedure normally takes place in the angiography department. The procedure will normally be performed via local anaesthetic with sedation if required. The procedure takes less than an hour.
Your consultant will explain the IVC filter insertion and answer any questions you might have.
After your IVC filter insertion, you will usually be able to return home the same day, although you will need to rest for a few days.
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.