[Role of vena cava filter in the management of venous thromboembolism].

Available since the 1960s, the use of inferior vena cava filter has now become an alternative therapeutic approach in the management of venous thromboembolism in case of a contraindication to or a complication of anticoagulation. Their effectiveness in protecting against pulmonary embolism seems obvious in patients in whom anticoagulant treatment cannot be administred, but the literature is mainly based on two small size randomized controlled trials. The most used filters are "retrievable" filters, which can be removed after a certain time or left in place permanently. During long-term use, a significant rate of deep vein thrombosis was observed, when using permanent filters. This complication seems to disappear when "retrievable" filters are removed within 3 months of the implantation.