Vena caval filters for the prevention of pulmonary embolism.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pulmonary emboli (PE) can have potentially fatal consequences. Inferior vena caval filters (VCFs) are metal alloy devices that mechanically trap fragmented thromboemboli from the deep leg veins en route to the pulmonary circulation. Filters are designed to be introduced (and in the case of retrievable filters, removed) percutaneously. Although their deployment seems of theoretical benefit, their clinical efficacy and adverse event profile is unclear.This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2007.

Objectives

To examine evidence for the effectiveness of VCFs in preventing pulmonary embolism (PE). Secondary outcomes were mortality, distal (to filter) thrombosis, and filter-related complications.

Search strategy

The Cochrane Peripheral Vascular

SUBMITTER: Young T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7387443 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature