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Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2017; 38(01): 084-093
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1597558
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Inferior Vena Cava Filters: When to Place and When to Remove

John M. Moriarty
1   Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
,
Jonathan D. Steinberger
2   Dotter Interventional Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
,
Anshuman K. Bansal
1   Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
16 February 2017 (online)

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Abstract

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common and feared result of deep vein thrombosis. While anticoagulation is the mainstay of management, interruption of flow of thrombus from leg veins to the pulmonary circulation is frequently desired either in lieu of or in addition to anticoagulation. Inferior vena cava filters have become frequently used to prevent PE despite a paucity of evidence for efficacy and increasing concerns about the long-term complications of indwelling filters.

Keywords

IVC filter - optional - retrieval - deep venous thrombosis - pulmonary embolism
 

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