Interruption of the inferior vena cava for venous thromboembolic disease

The indications for interruption of the inferior vena cava include recurrent pulmonary emboli in the presence of adequate anticoagulation, contraindication to anticoagulation, contraindication to thrombolytic therapy, or the presence of other conditions demanding prophylaxis for pulmonary emboli. Interruption of the inferior vena cava by filter insertion has increased in recent years. The most commonly used filter is the Greenfield filter. This article reviews indications, insertion procedures, complications, and the nursing implications related to filter insertion via the inferior vena cava.