IVC filter: review

Thrombo-embolic disease continues to be the paramount cause of morbidity as well as mortality in those afflicted despite amelioration in diagnostic imaging and anticoagulation regimens. Sometimes, standard medical therapy for thrombo-embolism is contraindicated, for it results in complications, or fails to adequately protect patients from pulmonary embolism (PE). These patients are treated by insertion of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters. Although IVC filters diminish long-term risk of pulmonary embolism (PE), they are associated with increased risk of IVC thrombosis and lower-extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) as compared to anticoagulation alone. Despite their prolonged use for more than 40 years, there are limited randomized clinical trials, comparing oral anticoagulation with IVC filters. Also, data on long term use of IVC filter is scarce. This article will address traits of an ideal IVC filter, different types of filters available and complications involved in the use of the different IVC filter.