IVC Filter Placement & Pulmonary Artery Mechanical Thrombectomy

Meaning:
IVC (Inferior Vena Cava) Filter Placement and Pulmonary Artery Mechanical Thrombectomy are minimally invasive procedures used to prevent and treat serious blood clot–related conditions. An IVC filter is placed in the main vein returning blood from the lower body to prevent clots from reaching the lungs, while mechanical thrombectomy involves removing clots directly from the pulmonary arteries to restore blood flow.

Causes:
These procedures are required in patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), or those at high risk of clot migration. Risk factors include prolonged immobility, recent surgery, cancer, clotting disorders, trauma, pregnancy, and inability to take blood-thinning medications.

Treatments:
IVC filter placement involves deploying a filter through a catheter to trap clots before they reach the lungs. Pulmonary artery mechanical thrombectomy uses specialized devices to physically remove clots from the lung arteries, improving oxygenation, reducing strain on the heart, and stabilizing critically ill patients.

Prevention:
Early diagnosis and treatment of deep vein thrombosis, timely use of anticoagulants when appropriate, mobilization after surgery, and use of compression therapy help reduce the risk of thromboembolic events. In high-risk patients, preventive interventions play a vital role in avoiding life-threatening complications.