IVC Filters
IVC filters offer little benefit for patients who can tolerate anticoagulation. They carry no mortality benefit and may lead to a variety of filter-related complications - Josh Farkas
image by: scientificanimations.com
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No Benefit For A Commonly Used Cardiac Device
Once again, after decades of common use, a frequently implanted device has been found to confer no benefit whatsoever over a much less invasive therapy. Cardiologists and radiologists often implant the device, called a retrievable inferior vena cava filter, inside people who are at high risk for developing potentially lethal blood clots. The filter is designed to prevent pulmonary embolism, an extremely dangerous condition that occurs when a blood clot from the legs migrates into the lungs. Now a new study published in JAMA shows that these devices provide no advantage over anticoagulant drugs which thin the blood.
A group of French physicians randomized nearly 400 hospitalized…
Resources
What is the evidence behind the IVC filter?
Currently evidence and guidelines from the American College of Chest Physicians both suggest that there is no role for IVC filters among patients who can receive anticoagulation.
Inferior vena cava filters are overused. What’s the harm?
IVCF are standard care for patients with acute pulmonary embolism or proximal DVT who cannot receive anticoagulation because of bleeding risk. But IVCF are used more often as an additional preventive therapy along with anticoagulation in an attempt to further reduce PE risk. Is this good medicine?
Inferior vena cava filters: debatable benefit; rarely removed
Although IVC filters are an established therapy for DVT and PE, the evidence base for their benefits is thin.
IVC Filters – Do The Pros Outweigh the Cons
Lawsuits are beginning to mount against the manufacturers of Inferior Vena Cava filters – small devices implanted into patients to help catch blood clots. The lawsuits claim that the devices might be causing more harm than good in patients.
IVC Filters: A Closer Look
As with all medications and medical procedures, the IVC filter comes with its own set of risks and complications.
Placement of vena cava filters and their complications
The only widely accepted and validated indications for vena cava filter placement in patients with thromboembolism are an absolute contraindication to therapeutic anticoagulation, complication to anticoagulation, and failure of anticoagulation when there is acute proximal venous thrombosis. These
Vena Cava Filters: Little Evidence And Wide Variation In Use
Clinicians and patients face difficult choices. Follow current standard of care and place filters where guidelines advise, or do not place filters, after informed consent informs patients that there is evidence of harm without evidence of benefit."
No Benefit For A Commonly Used Cardiac Device
Once again, after decades of common use, a frequently implanted device has been found to confer no benefit whatsoever over a much less invasive therapy.
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