Inferior vena cava filters: a concise review.

Venous thromboembolic disease is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Anticoagulation has been the mainstay of treatment and prevention. Unfortunately, anticoagulation frequently fails or is contraindicated. Use of inferior vena cava filters can be an effective alternative in these scenarios. Though inferior vena cava filters have been used for > 4 decades, the evidence behind their use is limited. Use of IVC filters is associated with both minor and major complications. More randomized prospective trials are needed to evaluate these devices. In this article, we review issues concerning the use of inferior vena cava filters.