IVC Filters: Indications, Techniques & Best Practices

The physicians review the key indications for the procedure, highlighting evidence-based patient selection and emphasizing the need for interventional radiologists to critically assess the clinical workup rather than function merely as technicians. They discuss how a comprehensive pre-procedural workup relies on cross-sectional imaging to identify access obstacles and to plan for adequate filter placement in cases of variant anatomy. Dr. O’Neal also shares technical tips from the suite, including deployment mechanics, positioning considerations, and strategies for preventing common complications. The conversation concludes with the IR’s ongoing responsibility to ensure a robust, multidisciplinary follow-up system with referring specialties, outlining potential strategies to ensure these devices are safely retrieved in a timely manner when no longer indicated.