IVC Umbrella Placement

IVC umbrella placement prevents a blood clot from traveling from the legs into the lungs. A blood clot in the lungs is called a pulmonary embolism.

How does IVC umbrella placement work?

The Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) is the large vein that takes un-oxygenated blood from the lower half of the body and delivers it to the heart, where it is pumped to the lungs for oxygenation. An IVC Umbrella is a tiny metal device that resembles an umbrella, but without the fabric. This umbrella is capable of filtering out harmful blood clots that can cause pulmonary embolism—a blood clot in the lungs.

During IVC umbrella placement, a catheter is inserted into a vein, usually in the groin or neck, then advanced into the IVC. Dye is injected into the IVC and X-rays are taken. Then a catheter with the umbrella device is inserted and advanced into the IVC. Once properly positioned, the catheter is removed, and the umbrella device remains in place. Pressure is applied to the catheter site to stop bleeding, and the patient rests flat for several hours.