Vena Caval Filters for the Prevention of Pulmonary Embolism

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Abstract
Interruption of the inferior vena cava to prevent pulmonary thromboembolism has been practiced since the late 1930s. Initially, this treatment strategy involved a major retroperitoneal surgical procedure to ligate or clamp the vena cava and was associated with considerable morbidity.1 Thirty years later the practice was revolutionized by the introduction of filters that could be placed in the lumen of the inferior vena cava by means of venotomy.2 The relative simplicity of placement of these devices increased the number of patients in whom caval interruption was a practical option. Since their introduction, the use of filters has increased almost yearly, . . .