A REVIEW OF THE USE OF INFERIOR VENA CAVA FILTERS FOR THE PREVENTION OF PUMULMONARY EMBOLISM

Abstract

The management of patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) is very tasking and may involve a multi-disciplinary approach. The main treatment modality for VTE still remains anticoagulation. There are situations in which anticoagulation may not be sufficient or is contraindicated. The placement of filter devices in the inferior vena cava (IVC) to prevent embolization of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), a well-established secondary treatment option thus becomes necessary. This review discusses, we discuss the indications, contraindications                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       and commonly used filters in the inferior vena cava.