Vena cava filter options: what’s on the horizon?

ABSTRACT

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are the mainstay for pulmonary embolic prophylaxis in patients with high venous thromboembolic (VTE) risk—in particular, patients with acute VTE (deep venous thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism) who have contraindication to therapeutic anticoagulation. Technology continues to evolve regarding IVC filters, with the most exciting changes over the past several decades including techniques of percutaneous insertion from laparotomy and retrieval of these devices. This paper will review current IVC filter designs and concepts and will discuss developments on the horizon.

KEYWORDS:

• Inferior vena cava filters
• vena cava
• venous thromboembolic disease
• pulmonary embolism
• deep venous thrombosis

Financial and competing interests disclosure

RF Sing has received educational grant support from CR Bard, Cook Medical, Volcano Medical, and Argon Medical. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed. The authors acknowledge Jennifer C. Barnes, PhD, ELS, for help with critical review and editing of the manuscript.