Question: I had a filter placed in my groin after surgery due to a blood clot from a few years ago. They tried to remove it but couldn't. I have heard small pieces of the filter can break loose and go to your heart, lungs, or brain. Seeing how this has been in so long, is it dangerous? Is it OK to exercise?
Dr. Hibberd's answer:
IVC filters — short for inferior vena cava — rarely migrate. They do not normally come apart, but they do reduce your risk of having a pulmonary embolism from a clot. We do not usually remove filters unless they become obstruct blood flow. They are usually used in people who cannot use anticoagulants or who have a lung embolism.
The filters are made of metal and are designed so they do not come apart.
And, yes, you can exercise as usual with IVC filters, and actually are encouraged to do so under normal circumstances.
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