Archives des maladies du coeur et des vaisseaux
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Arch Mal Coeur Vaiss · Nov 1995
Review[Indications of partial interruption of the inferior vena cava in pulmonary embolism].
Forty years after the first implantation of caval filters, there is still no indication for implantation validated by a controlled clinical trial. This fact may be explained by our poor understanding of the evolution of thromboembolic disease, especially in certain groups of patients. The absolute contra-indications to heparin therapy would seem to be a logical indication for a caval filter. ⋯ The implantation of a filter would seem to be justified in patients with chronic cor pulmonale after pulmonary embolectomy. The value of a temporary caval filter during thrombolysis has not been demonstrated; there are hopes that temporary filters "of long duration" will provide filtration of the vena cava during vulnerable periods. The results of the first controlled trial (PREPIC) are eagerly awaited and should rationalise the indications of inferior vena cava filters.