• Hanno Hoppe.
• Institut für Diagnostische, Interventionelle und Pädiatrische Radiologie, Inselspital, Universitätsspital Bern, Schweiz. hanno.hoppe@insel.ch
• Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2009 Jun 1; 106 (24): 395-402.

BackgroundWhen anticoagulation is contraindicated or ineffective, optional vena cava filters can be used to prevent pulmonary embolism. These devices can be removed within a defined period of time or can remain in the vena cava permanently.MethodsThe status of optional vena cava filters was studied by a review of the relevant literature found in a selective Medline search from 2000 to 2008, including a Cochrane review and published guidelines.ResultsOptional vena cava filter can be removed up to 20 weeks or even longer after insertion (depending on the filter model) in a small interventional radiological procedure if therapeutic anticoagulation has been achieved or the patient is no longer at risk for venous thromboembolism. Current studies show comparable results for optional filters and permanent filters, but there have not yet been any prospective studies comparing the two filter types.ConclusionsOptional vena cava filters are an important addition to the management of venous thromboembolic disease. As only limited data are available to date, the use of optional filters should be considered on an individual case basis.

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