Sequelae of Pulmonary Embolism and Implantation of Vena Caval Filters: A Question of Cause and Effect

Utilization rates of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters, used for many years to prevent recurrent pulmonary embolism (PE), have been increasing. Several factors have likely led to this increase, including improvements in IVC technology and availability of retrievable IVC filters. These investigators examined national Medicare data on PE hospitalizations and use of IVC filters and analyzed possible links between changes in IVC utilization rates and outcomes for PE. The study population consisted of all 556,658 fee-for-services, hospitalized, Medicare patients aged ≥65 with a principal discharge diagnosis of PE between 1999 and 2010.

Of the group, 94,427 (17%) underwent IVC filter placement. During the study period, IVC filter placements increas…