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Semin intervent Radiol 2012; 29(03): 204-217
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1326931
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Inferior Vena Cava Filtration in the Management of Venous Thromboembolism: Filtering the Data

Christopher Molvar
1   Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois
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Publication History

Publication Date:
16 October 2012 (online)

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Abstract

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality. This is especially true for hospitalized patients. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the leading preventable cause of in-hospital mortality. The preferred method of both treatment and prophylaxis for VTE is anticoagulation. However, in a subset of patients, anticoagulation therapy is contraindicated or ineffective, and these patients often receive an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter. The sole purpose of an IVC filter is prevention of clinically significant PE. IVC filter usage has increased every year, most recently due to the availability of retrievable devices and a relaxation of thresholds for placement. Much of this recent growth has occurred in the trauma patient population given the high potential for VTE and frequent contraindication to anticoagulation. Retrievable filters, which strive to offer the benefits of permanent filters without time-sensitive complications, come with a new set of challenges including methods for filter follow-up and retrieval.

Keywords

inferior vena cava (IVC) filter - venous thromboembolism - deep vein thrombosis - pulmonary embolism - trauma - complications
 

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