RT Journal
A1 Minichiello T
T1 INvited commentary—efforts to optimize patient benefit from inferior vena cava filters
JF Archives of Internal Medicine
JO Archives of Internal Medicine
YR 2011
FD November 28
VO 171
IS 21
SP 1956
OP 1959
DO 10.1001/archinternmed.2011.527
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archinternmed.2011.527
AB 
Theoretically, retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filters offer the advantage of prevention of pulmonary embolism (PE) without the associated risks of long-term permanent devices. Confidence in the efficacy and safety of retrievable IVC filters has led to a doubling in the placement of these devices over the past decade.1 However, Medicare database analysis showed that of the 65 041 devices placed in 2008, only an estimated 15% were retrieved.1 As these devices may be associated with significant complications, which increase over time, including a high risk of future deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and IVC thrombosis, all efforts should be made to avoid unnecessary long indwelling time. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement in August 2010 urging clinicians to remove these devices as soon as the risk of PE has subsided. This was based on finding nearly 1000 reported complications associated with these devices, a review prompted by an article published in the Archives that described an alarmingly high filter fracture rate with certain devices.2- 3