American Board of Pathology (ABPath) Practice Test

The implanted device that is specifically designed to prevent emboli from traveling to the lungs is referred to as an IVC filter. The inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is a small medical device made of metal or plastic that is inserted into the inferior vena cava, the large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower body to the heart.

The primary function of an IVC filter is to capture and trap blood clots that may form in the deep veins of the legs and pelvis, which could otherwise travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism—an obstructive event that can be fatal. By positioning the filter in the IVC, healthcare providers can effectively reduce the risk of this life-threatening condition in patients who are at high risk, such as those with deep vein thrombosis or certain post-surgical patients.

The other devices mentioned serve different purposes: stents are used to keep blood vessels open, port-a-caths are long-term intravenous access devices for medication delivery, and catheters are used for various purposes in medicine, such as draining fluids or administering medications. None of these have the specific function of preventing emboli from traveling to the lungs, which is the critical role of the IVC filter.