Although inferior vena cava (IVC) filters have a clear role in preventing recurrent
pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with venous thromboembolism who cannot be anticoagulated,
the role of filters in patients who are candidates for anticoagulation is controversial.
With limited and conflicting data, practitioners often have to make an educated patient-specific
decision when encountering this scenario. This article reviews the available data
on the efficacy and risks associated with adjunctive IVC filter use to prevent recurrent
PE.
Keywords
venous thromboembolism - deep vein thrombosis - pulmonary embolism - inferior vena
cava filters - interventional radiology
