The infrequent removal of retrievable IVC filters

Abstract

On August 9, 2010, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety communication warning that retrievable Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters, which are intended for short-term placement are not always removed once the risk for pulmonary embolism or the contraindication for anticoagulation subside [1]. The warning was based on the FDA's concerns about the increasing number of device adverse reports involving IVC filters including device migration, embolization and IVC perforation. The FDA encouraged all physicians caring for recipients of IVC filters to consider risks and benefits of filter removal for each patient.