Research progress in the application of inferior vena cava filter on acute venous thrombosis

Anticoagulant therapy using heparins or per os vitamin K antagonists has been the treatment of choice in patients with venous thromboembolic disease for decades. However, the introduction of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters recently has provided new therapeutic choices appropriate for specific groups of patients with venous thromboembolic disease. This review aims to present all current evidence on the indications and precautions for the proper IVC filters utilization. There is still a great challenge in identifying the proper populations that would benefit from an IVC filter implantation or extraction. New randomized trials are needed to produce safe and clear guidelines of proper use.