Indicaciones actuales del implante de filtros recuperables en la vena cava inferior

venous thromboembolism is a disease which occurs in 1 out of 1 000 people around the world, accounting for about a half of cases of deep venous thrombosis. deep venous thrombosis major complication is pulmonary embolism, fatal in 20 %-30 % of cases. anticoagulation is the most effective strategy to prevent pulmonary embolism, however, this is contraindicated in frequent clinical situations. inferior vena cava filters are a non-pharmacological alternative in these cases. this article reviews historical aspects of these devices, with particular interest in those denominated retrievable filters, describing indications, implantation-retrieval technique, efficacy and safety.