New study demonstrates inferior vena cava filters are safe and effective way to treat venous thromboembolism

Medical Xpress / Soc of Interventional Radiology / Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology ^ | Feb. 23, 2023 | Matthew S. Johnson et al

[ConservativeMind]

Few adverse events are connected to the use of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters to help prevent deep vein blood clots from developing into pulmonary embolisms (PE), according to the findings.

PRESERVE is an FDA-directed multicenter, prospective, open-label, non-randomized trial that studied the safety and efficacy of IVC filters from six manufacturers. The study was conducted between Oct. 10, 2015, and March 31, 2019. During that time, filters were implanted in 1,421 patients, of which 1,019 patients had an existing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).

Researchers found that IVC filters were effective in helping to prevent PEs in patients experiencing a DVT where anticoagulation medicines failed or were not an option for the patient. Approximately half of the patients in the study had their filters removed within 3 months of placement without complication or recurrence of DVT or PE, according to study authors.

"The question shouldn't be only 'should we place a filter?' but 'how should we offer comprehensive filter-inclusive care of patients with venous blood clots, comprised of a detailed patient evaluation, a plan for retrieval after placement, and frequent follow up with evaluation for filter removal or replacement,'" said Matthew S. Johnson, MD, FSIR.

"PRESERVE showed what questions we should ask as clinicians: 'does this person continue to require protection against PE, and, in light of changing clinical status and available therapies, is the current filter needed?' and then make an informed decision on how to continue care."

"DVTs and PEs are a significant cause of death worldwide and understanding fully how tools like IVC filters can be used to prevent the progression of a DVT into a PE allow physicians to safely treat patients at risk of death from VTE," said David L Gillespie, MD, FACS.

[ConservativeMind]

Good to know they work well and can generally be quickly removed.

[ConservativeMind]

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[Chode]

IFVs have been around for a looong time...

retrieval is a big feature

[moovova]

Can it filter the spike protein out of your blood?

[grey_whiskers]

Go with nattokinase.

[OnAMission]

Thanks!

[trebb]

Sigh - about 5 years ago there were stories about ling-term problems with them causing problems and killing folks...like most tings, they probably have a valid use under right conditions but can also cause complications.