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Inferior Vena Cava Filters: Why, Who, and for How Long?

Brian P Holly1, Brian Funaki2, Mark L Lessne3

  • 1Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Interventional Radiology Center, Sheikh Zayed Tower, Suite 7203, 1800 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.

Clinics in Chest Medicine
|August 21, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters prevent blood clots from traveling to the lungs in patients unable to use anticoagulation. Removal should be considered when the initial reason for filter placement is no longer present.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Interventional Radiology
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are devices designed to prevent pulmonary embolism.
  • Their primary indication is for patients with contraindications to anticoagulation therapy.
  • Current guidelines and indications for IVC filter placement beyond this primary use are not consistently defined.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the current understanding and indications for vena cava filter placement.
  • To highlight the importance of follow-up and consideration for removal of retrievable IVC filters.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and guidelines on IVC filter use.
  • Analysis of indications for placement and management strategies.
  • Discussion of patient follow-up protocols.

Main Results:

  • IVC filters are primarily used to prevent thrombus migration in patients unsuitable for anticoagulation.
  • Indications for IVC filter placement beyond this primary use are variable and less clearly defined.
  • A consistent recommendation exists for patient follow-up and consideration of filter removal once the indication is resolved.

Conclusions:

  • Retrievable IVC filters require diligent follow-up.
  • Removal of IVC filters should be actively considered when the initial indication for placement has resolved.
  • Standardized protocols for IVC filter management are needed.

Keywords:
FilterVena cavaVenous thromboembolism

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