Vena Cava Filters for Pulmonary Embolism: Prevention, Not Treatment

A vena cava filter does not treat pulmonary embolism (PE). Instead, it is used to prevent PE.

PE occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg, and travels to the lungs. A vena cava filter is a small, cage-like device that is inserted into the vena cava, the large vein that carries blood from the upper and lower body to the heart. The filter traps blood clots that may travel through the vena cava and prevents them from reaching the lungs and causing a PE.

Vena cava filters are typically used in people who are at high risk of developing PE, such as those who have had a previous PE, those who have certain medical conditions (such as cancer or heart failure), or those who are undergoing surgery that may increase their risk of PE.