Inferior Vena Cava Filter Use as Pulmonary Embolism Prophylaxis in Trauma

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in trauma. What is known regarding VTE prophylaxis has been extrapolated from nontrauma data. Optimal methods of VTE prevention for trauma remain controversial and unknown. Trauma patients are unique and heterogeneous rendering many forms of treatment inappropriate. The most fatal complication of VTE is a pulmonary embolism (PE). There is a long history of protection against PE as vena caval interruption. Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters were designed to protect against PE. Since the approval by the Food and Drug Administration for the use of retrievable filters, trauma care specialists are increasingly choosing this form of prophylaxis. Indications for use, efficacy, and safety of IVC filters remain debated. There is lack of rigor in studies concerning IVC filters. Filters are not without complications. Removal rates for retrievable filters are poor. Nursing is instrumental in IVC filter prophylaxis, efficacy, and safety success.