Back to the Basics: Inferior Vena Cava Filters

Abstract

Inferior vena cava filters are an important therapeutic option for patients with venous thromboembolism and contraindication to anticoagulation. Indications for filter placement have varied over the previous decades. This article discusses the history of inferior vena cava filter use, with a basic overview of technology and specific devices. Finally, this article reviews emerging filter design and technology. Understanding the basics of inferior vena cava filters is critical to building more robust clinical data for the purpose of improving patient outcomes.

Keywords: deep venous thrombosis; inferior vena cava filters; interventional radiology; pulmonary embolism.

Fig. 1

The OptEase (Cordis, Miami, CA) has a double-basket symmetrical design. (Reprinted with permission from Montgomery and Kaufman. 34 )

Fig. 2

The Crux filter (Volcano, San Diego, CA) has a novel non-conical design with a helical configuration containing a mesh to trap clot. (Reprinted with permission from Montgomery and Kaufman. 34 )

Fig. 3

The VenaTech Convertible filter (B Braun Medical, Germany) is a convertible filter that requires an additional procedure to allow for reconfiguration of the filter into an open stent. (Reprinted with permission from Montgomery and Kaufman. 34 )

Fig. 4

The Sentry filter (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA) contains bioabsorbable polymer which degrades over time and allows from conversion from its native conformation as a filter ( a ) into an open stent ( b ) without a separate procedure. (Reprinted with permission from Montgomery and Kaufman. 34 )

Fig. 5

The Angel Catheter (BiO2 Medical, San Antonio, TX) is composed of a triple-lumen central venous catheter attached to a deployable filter (arrow). This filter must be removed prior to patient discharge. (Reprinted with permission from Montgomery and Kaufman. 34 )