Radiologists' Field Guide to Permanent Inferior Vena Cava Filters

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are commonly used in patients at risk for life-threatening pulmonary embolism. Since the Mobin-Uddin filter was introduced in 1967, numerous other IVC filters have been developed. Given the plethora of IVC filter types, inaccurate identification of a filter on radiographic examination can lead to confusion in the options for filter retrieval and anticoagulation. CONCLUSION. This article highlights permanent IVC designs to assist the interpretation of diagnostic studies. Accurate identification of indwelling IVC filters could have a dramatic effect on patient management regarding anticoagulant use and possibility for IVC filter retrieval and removal. Identification of filter type, filter position, presence or absence of thrombosis, filter tilt, and filter fracture should be included in interpretive reports.

Keywords: inferior vena cava filters; pulmonary embolism; venous thromboembolism.