Inferior Vena Cava Filter for Acute Pulmonary Embolism

Abstract

Inferior vena cava filters are aggressively used for treatment of acute pulmonary embolism in Japan to capture floating thrombi from deep vein thrombosis. In patients with acute proximal deep vein thrombosis, inferior vena cava filters prevent pulmonary embolism and increase recurrent deep vein thrombosis without changing the mortality rate. Moreover, inferior vena cava filters decrease both mortality and acute deterioration in patients with pulmonary embolism. Endo et al. recommended that non-permanent filters should be used for less than 7 days to prevent, if possible, the increase of filter-related complications. There are no evidences that concurrent anticoagulation reduces thromboembolism in recipients of inferior vena cava filters. Only one report is a randomized clinical study. The benefits and demerits of inferior vena cava filters are not sufficiently clarified. Therefore, further study is desired.