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Int J Angiol
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1785231
Review Article

Contemporary Management of Pulmonary Embolism: Review of the Inferior Vena Cava filter and Other Endovascular Devices

KaChon Lei
1   Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kirk Kerkorian SOM at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada
2   Department of Internal Medicine, Kirk Kerkorian SOM at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada
,
Michael V. DiCaro
2   Department of Internal Medicine, Kirk Kerkorian SOM at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada
,
Nadia Tak
3   Research Associate, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota
,
Scott Turnbull
2   Department of Internal Medicine, Kirk Kerkorian SOM at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada
,
Ala Abdallah
2   Department of Internal Medicine, Kirk Kerkorian SOM at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada
,
Tillman Cyrus
1   Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kirk Kerkorian SOM at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada
2   Department of Internal Medicine, Kirk Kerkorian SOM at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada
4   Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Veteran Affairs Medical Center, North Las Vegas, Nevada
,
Tahir Tak
1   Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kirk Kerkorian SOM at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada
2   Department of Internal Medicine, Kirk Kerkorian SOM at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada
4   Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Veteran Affairs Medical Center, North Las Vegas, Nevada
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Abstract

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters and endovascular devices are used to mitigate the risk of pulmonary embolism in patients presenting with lower extremity venous thromboembolism in whom long-term anticoagulation is not a good option. However, the efficacy and benefit of these devices remain uncertain, and controversies exist. This review focuses on the current use of IVC filters and other endovascular therapies in clinical practice. The indications, risks, and benefits are discussed based on current data. Further research and randomized controlled trials are needed to characterize the patient population that would benefit most from these interventional therapies.

Keywords

IVC filter - thrombectomy - pulmonary embolism - thrombolysis - catheter-based interventions


Publication History

Article published online:
23 April 2024

© 2024. International College of Angiology. This article is published by Thieme.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
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