Your physician may recommend a vena cava filter if you have blood clots and are unable to take blood-thinning medication or if you've already had a blood clot in your lung (pulmonary embolism) and are at risk for a recurrence.

A vena cava filter is a small metal device that prevents blood clots from traveling from other areas of your body to your lungs, which can be life-threatening. It doesn't interfere with blood flow, but stops the movement of clots. It can be placed through small incisions with minimally invasive surgery techniques. Most patients can return home the same day and return to normal activities within a few days.