The use of IVC filters in obstetrics: A review

Priyanka Bakhtiani, Raphael G. Stimphil

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)


The joy of nurturing a new life within oneself, comes with its side-effects. One of the most common ones being: an imminent risk of clotting of blood within the leg-veins; followed closely behind by the chance that the clot might travel to the lungs, obstruct the blood supply, and lead to sudden death. Is there a way to prevent it? Yes. Stop the clot on its way up by placing a filter in the IVC. Sounds perfect theoretically, but how effective are IVC-filters really? Are they safe for pregnant ladies? Are there any special precautions and methods to be kept in mind while employing IVC-filters in obstetrics? Although a few studies have been done to find the above answers, there is still need for a lot more for the conclusions to be generalised. In case of a patient presenting with an extensive thrombus in late pregnancy or labour, or with an imminent Caesarean section within the next 2 weeks, it may be advisable to place an IVC filter. The present studies and documented cases show a minimal major-complication and mortality rate associated with the use of IVC filters during pregnancy. On the other hand, the compression of IVC by the gravid contracting uterus might pose a limitation to the placement and the retrievability of a filter. Yet, retrievable IVC-filters are preferred during the short-lived hyper-coagulable gravid state, so as to avoid the morbidity associated with permanent filters. In the meanwhile, routine prophylactic use of IVC filters in pregnant patients with VTE is being practised at a lot of places.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)95-97
Number of pages3
JournalJournal International Medical Sciences Academy
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 01-04-2012
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Medicine(all)


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