Use of inferior vena cava filters for treatment of VTE: SIR Guideline

• In patients with DVT who are undergoing advanced therapies, we suggest considering the placement of IVC filters only in select patients, as outlined in the rationale.

Trauma Patients with Known VTE

• In trauma patients without known acute VTE, we recommend against the routine placement of IVC filters for primary VTE prophylaxis.

Major Surgery Patients without known VTE

• In patients without known acute VTE who are undergoing major surgery, we suggest against routine placement of IVC filters.

Indwelling IVC Filters with No Anticoagulation Indication

• In patients without known acute VTE who are undergoing major surgery, we suggest against routine placement of IVC filters.

Indwelling IVC Filter s with Mitigated PE Risk

• In patients with indwelling retrievable/convertible IVC filters whose risk of PE has been mitigated or who are no longer at risk for PE, we suggest filters be routinely removed/converted unless risk outweighs benefit.
• In patients with indwelling permanent IVC filters whose risk of PE has been mitigated or who are no longer at risk for PE, we suggest against routine removal of filters.

Complications and Indwelling IVC Filters

• In patients with complications attributed to indwelling IVC filters, we suggest filter removal be considered after weighing filter- versus procedure-related risks and the likelihood that filter removal will alleviate the complications.

Structured Follow-up

• In patients with complications attributed to indwelling IVC filters, we suggest filter removal be considered after weighing filter- versus procedure-related risks and the likelihood that filter removal will alleviate the complications.