Percutaneous placement of inferior vena cava filters.

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism is a serious and difficult problem. Many approaches for the prevention of recurrent pulmonary embolism have been tried. Percutaneous placement of inferior vena cava filters is an easy, safe, available and well established procedure for the prevention of pulmonary embolism. The authors review the indications for use of IVC filters, and they review the main filters available in terms of ease of use, the physical characteristics, the technique of introduction, the efficacy and morbidity, and the potential complications associated with their use. Insertion of IVC filters by percutaneous approach was successfully performed in 6 patients with recurrent pulmonary embolism. Following the intervention procedure without complication there were no further pulmonary emboli.