A vena cava filter is a small metal device that stops blood clots from traveling to the lungs (pulmonary embolism). These blood clot filters trap large blood clot fragments before they can cause life-threatening complications. They are used when anticoagulants cannot be taken or are not effective enough to prevent dangerous clots.

How vena cava filters work
Think of it like a tiny umbrella or basket that sits inside the main vein (the inferior vena cava) in the abdomen. A doctor inserts the collapsed filter through a small incision in the neck or groin using a catheter, where it opens up and attaches to the vein walls. Blood flows through the IVC filter normally, but it traps any clots before they reach the lungs.

Types of vena cava filters

• Permanent filters: This is a long-term filter for people who can’t take anticoagulants for health reasons.
• Retrievable (temporary) filters: This is a temporary filter that can be removed.
• Superior vena cava (SVC) filters: Used for blood clots from the upper body, though much less common than IVC filters.

More about vena cava filters
It’s important to understand that an IVC filter does not protect against DVT. The filter helps to protect patients from a life-threatening pulmonary embolism if there is a DVT. Accordingly, they are only indicated in selected cases of venous thrombosis.

• Removing a retrievable IVC filter as soon as it is no longer needed reduces the risk of complications
• A permanent vena cava filter remains in the body indefinitely, while retrievable filters are typically removed within six months when safe to do so
• Your healthcare provider will monitor your vena cava filter on a regular basis. They may suggest regular imaging tests to ensure the filter stays in the proper place.

Thrombolytic therapy uses clot-dissolving medications commonly referred to as “clot busters” in severe cases to dissolve blood clots. Healthcare providers may use this emergency blood clot treatment when there are acute obstructions to normal blood flow, such as during a heart attack, stroke or pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs).

Types of thrombolytic therapy: 

• Systemic thrombolysis: An IV line that delivers clot-busting medication into the bloodstream. Often used as an emergency procedure.
• Catheter-directed thrombolysis: A long catheter that brings medication directly to the blood clot. Often used as a scheduled procedure.

How thrombolytic therapy works:
Think of a blood clot like a tightly woven net made of proteins inside a blood vessel. Thrombolytic treatment works like tiny molecular scissors, cutting apart the protein threads that hold the blood clot together. Once broken down, the blood clot dissolves and blood flows freely again.

Benefits of thrombolytic therapy:
Clot-dissolving treatment can quickly restore blood flow to blocked areas, which can be life-saving in emergencies when clots pose an immediate threat to the patient’s life.

• Dissolve blood clots that are too large or dangerous for anticoagulants alone to handle
• In cases when blood clots pose an immediate threat to the patient’s life, thrombolytic medications can:
• Provide rapid relief from symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath or leg swelling
• Prevent additional complications such as heart attack, stroke or tissue damage
• Accelerate healing
• Reduce long-term damage to organs and tissues

Mechanical thrombectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that physically removes blood clots from blocked blood vessels. Unlike medications that dissolve clots over time, this blood clot removal procedure immediately pulls or suctions the blood clot out of the blood vessel to restore blood flow right away.

Types of mechanical thrombectomy

• Aspiration thrombectomy: Uses suction to vacuum out the clot.
• Stent retriever: Uses a mesh device that opens inside the clot to grab and pull it out.
• Computer-assisted vacuum thrombectomy (CAVT): A technology that automatically detects clots and adjusts suction accordingly.

How mechanical thrombectomy works:
A doctor inserts a thin tube called a catheter through a small incision, usually in the groin, and guides it to the clot using advanced imaging. Special devices at the tip either grab the clot like a tiny corkscrew, break it apart or suction it out like a vacuum, immediately restoring blood flow.

Benefits of mechanical thrombectomy
In cases when clots pose an immediate threat to the patient’s life or to the integrity of limb tissues, mechanical clot removal can provide:

• Immediate restoration of blood flow, which can be life-saving
• Lower risk of long-term complications compared to blood thinners alone
• Lower risk of post-thrombotic syndrome