Vena Cava Filters: Toward Optimal Strategies for Filter Retrieval and Patients' Follow-Up

Kiara Rezaei-Kalantari; David C Rotzinger; Salah D Qanadli

doi:10.3389/fcvm.2022.746748

Vena Cava Filters: Toward Optimal Strategies for Filter Retrieval and Patients' Follow-Up

Front Cardiovasc Med. 2022 Mar 3:9:746748. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.746748. eCollection 2022.

Authors

Kiara Rezaei-Kalantari¹, David C Rotzinger², Salah D Qanadli²

Affiliations

¹ Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
² Cardiothoracic and Vascular Division, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.

Abstract

Mortality rates associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE) are high. Inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) have been frequently placed for these patients as part of their treatment, albeit the paucity of data showing their ultimate efficacy and potential risk of complications. Issues regarding long-term filter dwell time are accounted for in society guidelines. This topic has led to an FDA mandate for filter retrieved as soon as protection from pulmonary embolism is no longer needed. However, even though most are retrievable, some were inadvertently left as permanent, which carries an incremental lifetime risk to the patient. In the past decade, attempts have aimed to determine the optimal time interval during which filter needs to be removed. In addition, distinct strategies have been implemented to boost retrieval rates. This review discusses current conflicts in indications, the not uncommon complications, the rationale and need for timely retrieval, and different quality improvement strategies to fulfill this aim.

Keywords: IVC filter; IVCF workflow; complications; retrieval strategies; venous thromboembolism.

Publication types

Review