Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are used as an alternative to anticoagulants for prevention of fatal pulmonary embolism (PE) in venous thromboembolic disorders. Retrievable IVC filters have become an increasingly attractive option due to the long-term risks of permanent filter placement. These devices are shown to be technically feasible in insertion and retrieval percutaneously while providing protection from PE. Nevertheless, there are complications and failed retrievals with these retrievable filters. The aim of the paper is to review the retrievable filters and their efficacy, safety, and retrievability. 1. Introduction Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a cause of significant morbidity and mortality in both hospitalized and nonhospitalized patients. Approximately 400,000 to 650,000 patients develop PE annually with 50,000 to 240,000 deaths in the United States [1]. Standard therapy is parenteral anticoagulants (full-dose unfractionated heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin, or fondaparinux) followed by oral vitamin K antagonists (warfarin). However, in cases of contraindications to anticoagulants, bleeding complications, or recurrent VTE despite optimal anticoagulation, interruption of inferior vena cava (IVC) with a filter is necessary to prevent life-threatening PE [2]. 2. Types of IVC Filters The characteristics of an ideal IVC filter include high filtering efficiency without impedance of flow, secure fixation within IVC, rapid percutaneous insertion (small calibre, amenable to repositioning), MRI compatibility, low cost, and retrievability. Moreover, the ideal filter should be made of nonthrombogenic, biocompatible long-lasting material [3, 4]. Nevertheless, none of the currently available IVC filters meet all these criteria. IVC filters are implanted as permanent or nonpermanent. Mobin-Uddin filter was first introduced in 1967. However, due to high incidence of thrombosis and occlusion, Greenfield filter quickly became the preferred choice, which was first described in 1973 [5–7]. This Greenfield stainless steel filter and another permanent Bird’s Nest filter are MRI incompatible. Other permanent IVC filters available are Simon Nitinol, TrapEase, and VenaTech, which are all MRI compatible [3, 8]. Subsequent studies demonstrated the increased incidence of complications associated with permanent IVC filters [9]. One of the significant long-term risks of permanent filters is thrombotic occlusion of the IVC, which is seen in 6% to 30% of cases; other important complications include
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