Current status of inferior vena cava filters

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common cause of death. Treatment and prevention from a known deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is usually by anticoagulation. However, in some patients anticoagulation is not possible or effective and IVC filters are used as an alternative or adjunct. Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters have become widely used but are controversial with limited data on their efficacy, indications and safety. © The Intensive Care Society 2014.