VENA-CAVA FILTER DEVICES

Vena cava filters are effective in preventing pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with deep vein thrombosis or PE who either have contraindi cations to anticoagulation or have sustained a PE despite adequate ant icoagulation. Although vena cava filters are not without complications , clinically significant morbidity and mortality are low. The use of v ena cava filters as primary prophylaxis or therapy for deep vein throm bosis and PE should await the results of controlled trials.