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Erin Brender, MD

JAMA. 2006;295:989-990.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Filters placed in the inferior vena cava (IVC) to trap blood clots before they reach the lungs have been used by physicians for more than 30 years. But the recent expanded use of these filters has some physicians worried.

At issue is the long-term risk of complications and an often lifelong commitment to anticoagulation therapy associated with implanting this permanent device, particularly in younger patients. Although some believe a possible solution to these concerns is the use of retrievable filters, such devices are a relatively recent development, are not extensively studied, and may themselves remain in the patient as a permanent device.

Retrievable inferior vena cava filters for preventing pulmonary embolism may remain in place or can be removed if no longer needed. (Photo credit: Cook Incorporated)

Inferior vena cava filters are small trapping devices placed in the IVC to prevent potentially fatal pulmonary emboli by trapping . . . [Full Text of this Article]

EXPANDING INDICATIONS