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Thromb Haemost 2005; 93(01): 17-22
DOI: 10.1160/TH04-06-0399
Review Article
Schattauer GmbH

Long lives, short indications

The case for removable inferior cava filters
Grace H. Ku
1   Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
,
Henny H. Billett
1   Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
› Author AffiliationsFinancial support: The authors have no financial interest in this manuscript.
Further Information

Publication History

Received 25 June 2004

Accepted after revision 25 October 2004

Publication Date:
14 December 2017 (online)

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Summary

Vena cava filters have been in use for decades to prevent pulmonary embolization from deep venous thrombosis. These filters have been shown to be effective, with fairly low rates of filter migration, fracture and thrombosis. However considering that filters remain in situ for the life of the patient and that studies do not show increased longevity in patients with filters, any complications from filters are significant concerns. In addition, often patients require filters for only temporary indications, e.g. contraindication for anticoagulation because of impending procedures, or for only a transient risk period, as in trauma or pregnant patients. In these cases, removable filters may be more appealing. This review will examine the different types of removable filters and the indications in which removable filters may have an advantage over permanent filters.

Keywords

Temporary - removable - retrievable - vena cava filter
 

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