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Semin intervent Radiol 2012; 29(01): 029-035
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1302449
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Inferior Vena Cava Filters for Primary Prophylaxis: When Are They Indicated?

Eric Wehrenberg-Klee
1   Department of Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
,
S. William Stavropoulos
2   Radiology, Division of Interventional Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
16 April 2012 (online)

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Abstract

Over the past several years there has been a rapid increase in the number of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters placed for primary thromboprophylaxis. Increased use has occurred in settings where other methods of thromboprophylaxis are viewed to be inadequate, technically challenging, or that place patients at an unacceptably high bleeding risk. These clinical services include trauma, bariatric surgery, neurosurgery, cancer, intensive care unit populations, and patients with a relative contraindication to anticoagulation. We review the studies to date addressing filter placement for these indications. Although preliminary data are promising, the patient populations most likely to benefit from prophylactic IVC filter placement have not been well defined, and randomized studies demonstrating efficacy have not been conducted. Moving forward, it will be critical to accomplish these two tasks if IVC filters are to continue to have a role in primary thromboprophylaxis.

Keywords

ivc filter - thromboprophylaxis - pulmonary embolism prophylaxis
 

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