title: Are too many inferior vena cava filters used? Controversial evidences in different clinical settings: a narrative review.
abstract: The use of inferior vena cava filters to prevent pulmonary embolism is increasing mainly because of indications that appear to be unclearly codified and recommended. The evidence supporting this approach is often heterogeneous, and mainly based on observational studies and consensus opinions, while the insertion of an IVC filter exposes patients to the risk of complications and increases health care costs. Thus, several proposed indications for an IVC filter placement remain controversial. We attempt to review the proof on the efficacy and safety of IVC filters in several "special" clinical settings, and assess the robustness of the available evidence for any specific indication to place an IVC filter.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Angiology Unit, Ospedale dell'Angelo, Via Paccagnella 11, 30174, Mestre (VE), Italy. micheledallavestra@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dalla Vestra
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Ospedale dell'Angelo, Mestre (VE), Italy.
authors.forename: Elisabetta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Grolla
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Ospedale dell'Angelo, Mestre (VE), Italy.
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bonanni
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: Raffaele
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pesavento
mesh_terms: D050110:Bariatric Surgery / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016306:Vena Cava Filters / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000601:surgery
keywords: Deep vein thrombosis; Inferior vena cava filters; Pulmonary embolism; Venous thromboembolism