[Usefulness of vena cava filters from clinicians view]

The indication for vena cava filters (VCF) in treatment of venous thromboembolism is still controversial. The presented overview should support the practical decisions. Beside of large volume of observational date there is only one study - PREPIC 1 - fulfilling requirements of prospective randomized design. During 8 years of follow up, pulmonary embolism (PE) was less frequent in the group with VCF than in the group without VCF, but at the cost of more frequent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Other, but observational studies, showed similar results. Since last 10 years retrievable VCF are available. PREPIC 2 study was settled to prove, if use of retrievable VCF and their early removal will decrease the frequency of late complications observed in PREPIC 1. The results are available as conference abstract only, but it was presented that recurrence of DVT and PE was less frequent in group without IVC than with inserted VCF. Evaluation of impact of VCF insertion on mortality from RIETE registry showed only a trend which was in favour of VCF. On the other hand, a protective effect of VCF was demonstrated in hemodynamically unstable patients with PE (cardiogenic shock, massive embolism) with or without thrombolytic therapy evaluating cases from US NIS registry. Metaanalysis of studies in patients with polytrauma showed VCF protection mainly in patients where anticoagulation was contraindicated. Data gained from literature are discussed with existing guidelines. 2014 Recommendations of European Cardiologic Society is thatVC filters may be used when there are absolute contraindications to anticoagulation and a high risk of VTE recurrence. The routine use of IVC filters in patients with PE is not recommended.