Abstract

VARGAS, Braulio  and  LABORATORIO DE EXPLORACIONES E INTERVENCIONES CARDIOVASCULARES. INSTITUTO MEDICO LA FLORESTA. CARACAS, VENEZUELA et al. Indicaciones actuales del implante de filtros recuperables en la vena cava inferior. Gac Méd Caracas [online]. 2007, vol.115, n.1, pp.48-54. ISSN 0367-4762.

Venous thromboembolism is a disease which occurs in 1 out of 1 000 people around the world, accounting for about a half of cases of deep venous thrombosis. Deep venous thrombosis major complication is pulmonary embolism, fatal in 20 %-30 % of cases. Anticoagulation is the most effective strategy to prevent pulmonary embolism, however, this is contraindicated in frequent clinical situations. Inferior vena cava filters are a non-pharmacological alternative in these cases. This article reviews historical aspects of these devices, with particular interest in those denominated retrievable filters, describing indications, implantation-retrieval technique, efficacy and safety.

Keywords : Vena cava filter; Retrievable filter; Venous thromboembolism; Deep venous trombosis; Pulmonary embolism.