Best evidence topic reports. Safety of inferior vena cava filters as primary treatment for proximal deep vein thrombosis

Abstract

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether inferior vena cava filters were better than standard anticoagulation therapy in reducing pulmonary emboli in patients with proximal vein lower limb DVTs. Altogether 463 papers were found using the reported search, of which one presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of this best paper are tabulated. A clinical bottom line is stated.