title: Optional vena cava filters: what, why, and when.
abstract: Optional vena cava filters can used to provide either short-term or permanent protection from pulmonary embolism. These devices have recently become available for clinical use in the United States. However, there remains a paucity of data about these devices and their outcomes. This article reviews current and future devices, the rationale behind non-permanent caval filtration, and the generally accepted guidelines for their clinical application.
authors.affiliation: Dotter Institute/Oregon Health & Science University, Portland 97305, USA. kaufmajo@ohsu.edu
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Kaufman
mesh_terms: D020878:Device Removal; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016306:Vena Cava Filters; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000150:complications