ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the indications, clinical use, efficacy, insertion techniques, and complications of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters. The goal of IVC filter placement is to trap clinically significant thromboemboli without causing complete occlusion of the IVC. The advent of retrievable IVC filters has played a significant part in broadening the indications for the use of IVC filters to include prophylactic placement. Indications for IVC filter placement are traditionally divided into absolute indications, relative indications, and prophylactic indications. Contraindication to anticoagulation is the most frequently cited reason for selecting IVC filter placement over standard anticoagulation therapy. The relative indications for IVC filter placement also require the confirmed presence of venous thromboembolism, in addition to risk factors for future pulmonary embolism or cardiopulmonary compromise. Only the Society of Interventional Radiology guidelines recommend the use of IVC filters in a prophylactic setting, and the American College of Chest Physicians guidelines explicitly recommend against the use of prophylactic IVC filters.
