great article from endovascular today on filter characteristics

February 2010

Before You Place That Filter …

A guide to IVC filter placement and troubleshooting procedural challenges.

by Ulku Cenk TURBA, MD; Saher S. Sabri, MD; Wael E.A. Saad, MD; Auh Whan Park, MD; John F. Angle, MD; and Alan H. Matsumoto, MD

 

Evidence-based guidelines from the American College of Chest Physicians and Society of Interventional Radiology recommend inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement in patients with proven venous thromboembolism with a failure of, a contraindication to, or a complication secondary to anticoagulation.^1,2 However, with the recent availability of retrievable or so-called optional IVC filters, the use of these devices has expanded significantly in patients who are perceived to be at high risk for pulmonary embolism (PE).¹ In this article, we focus on the anatomical factors, procedural challenges, and complications related to the use of these devices.

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