title: [Vena cava filter. Which indications remain in the era of differentiated anticoagulation?].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the third most common disease of the cardiovascular system. It is associated with a 30-day lethality in the range of 6  % in deep vein thrombosis and 12  % in pulmonary embolism (PE). There are various guidelines with sometimes controversial recommendations regarding the use of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters.
  
  
  METHODS
  Implantation of IVC filters is a standard therapy in selected patients with an estimated 259,000 filters implanted in 2012.
  
  
  METHODS
  Optionally retrievable filters are increasingly being used in clinical routine practice. Future developments will include biodegradable and drug-eluting filters.
  
  
  METHODS
  When compared to anticoagulation as the reference therapy of VTE, IVC filters will significantly reduce the frequency of symptomatic PE; however, there is no advantage in overall survival for either therapy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Despite different guidelines in clinical routine practice the use of IVC filters appears to depend on the individual clinical experience and assessment of the interventionalist.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nowadays retrievable filters should be used although there are relevant differences between the various devices. As a matter of principle all IVC filters should be removed as soon as adequate anticoagulation can be established.
authors: Klinik für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, Universitätsklinikum Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Baldingerstraße, Marburg, Germany. andreas.mahnken@med.uni-marburg.de
authors: A H
authors: AH
authors: Mahnken
mesh_terms: D000792:Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D020878:Device Removal / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D016306:Vena Cava Filters; D054556:Venous Thromboembolism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants