Question:medium
An inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is used for all of the following purposes except:
An inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is used for all of the following purposes except:
Show Hint
Think about what a mesh filter can and cannot trap.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
- To reduce symptoms
- Negligible size of emboli
- To prolong life
- To prevent progression of native blood vessel disease
Show Solution
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Clinical indication. Inferior vena cava interruption with a filter is reserved for thromboembolic disease when blood thinners are contraindicated or have failed. The filter sits in the lumen of the IVC and physically intercepts ascending clots.
Step 2: Benefits offered. Because large dislodged thrombi are captured, the patient is protected from a major pulmonary embolism. This protection translates into fewer symptoms, a lower risk of fatal embolic events (prolonging life), and reduced ongoing damage to the native vessels.
Step 3: The key limitation. The mesh of the filter has finite pore size. Very small clots slip straight through and are never arrested. Therefore the device does nothing for emboli of negligible size, which is precisely why that choice is the odd one out.
Step 4: Eliminating the others. Reducing symptoms, prolonging life, and preventing progression of disease in the native vessels are all genuine goals of filter placement, so they are valid uses and cannot be the exception.
Hence the statement that does not describe a use of the IVC filter is the one about negligible-size emboli.
\[\boxed{\text{Negligible size of emboli}}\]
Step 2: Benefits offered. Because large dislodged thrombi are captured, the patient is protected from a major pulmonary embolism. This protection translates into fewer symptoms, a lower risk of fatal embolic events (prolonging life), and reduced ongoing damage to the native vessels.
Step 3: The key limitation. The mesh of the filter has finite pore size. Very small clots slip straight through and are never arrested. Therefore the device does nothing for emboli of negligible size, which is precisely why that choice is the odd one out.
Step 4: Eliminating the others. Reducing symptoms, prolonging life, and preventing progression of disease in the native vessels are all genuine goals of filter placement, so they are valid uses and cannot be the exception.
Hence the statement that does not describe a use of the IVC filter is the one about negligible-size emboli.
\[\boxed{\text{Negligible size of emboli}}\]
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