Overview of current inferior vena cava filters

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter technology has expanded dramatically over the past decade. Improvements in catheter and filter technology have allowed for the safe and rapid insertion of IVC filters from multiple venous access sites, using increasingly lower-profile percutaneous delivery systems. While the currently available filters have slightly different designs and insertion techniques, all function in a similar fashion to prevent venous thromboembolic propagation through the inferior vena cava. This article describes the construction and deployment mechanisms of the various filters that are currently on the market.