Retrievable Vena Cava Filters: Could These Devices Reduce Morbidity while Offering Optimal Protection?

Pulmonary embolism affects the lives of more than 600,000 patients in the US and claims the lives of 20% of these patients.1 Although thrombolytic therapy has been used with great success, anticoagulation remains the accepted standard therapy for many patients with deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The major risk factors of older age, immobility, hypercoagulable states, and a history of deep venous thrombosis are well known. Recent studies have added morbid obesity, total hip and knee replacement surgery, major trauma, and extensive abdominal and pelvic surgery to the growing list of high-risk patients.