title: Inferior Vena Cava Filters in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review.
abstract: During pregnancy, patients have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). This is an important cause of maternal mortality. Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters can be used to prevent pulmonary embolism in complicated cases of VTE during pregnancy. The present systematic review includes all patients reported in the literature who had an IVC filter placed during pregnancy. The indications for IVC filters are discussed, along with practical considerations for placement during pregnancy, filter effectiveness, and maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. IVC filters can be used safely when appropriate during pregnancy, with complication rates similar to those in nonpregnant patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Academic Surgery, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RF, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Sally A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.affiliation: Department of Academic Surgery, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RF, United Kingdom; Section of Vascular Surgery, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RF, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Rahul
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Velineni
authors.affiliation: Department of Academic Surgery, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RF, United Kingdom; Section of Vascular Surgery, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RF, United Kingdom. Electronic address: a.h.davies@imperial.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Alun H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Davies
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016306:Vena Cava Filters / Q000009:adverse effects; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*