Moreover, one of the most important long-term complications of definitive filters is the thrombotic occlusion of the IVC, which is reported in 6–30% of cases; other significant complications include vena cava perforation and filter dislocation, migration and rupture.⁴ Thus, alternative strategies for IVC interruption are required, especially in patients with a long life expectancy and in whom the period of risk from anticoagulant therapy is short. Non-permanent filters are classified as either temporary or retrievable devices. Temporary filters remain attached to a wire or catheter that exits the skin; they are often difficult to manage and present frequent complications such as thrombosis, infections or migrations. They must be removed within a few days of placement, which is often not long enough to solve the clinical problem that had led to their placement. Retrievable filters are a new generation of IVC filters and may represent a more attractive option because they may be either left in place permanently or safely retrieved after quite a long period when they become unnecessary.^5–8 The purpose of this article is to review the currently available literature regarding retrievable IVC filters, discussing their efficacy and safety and assessing the appropriate indications for their use. The results of the most important retrievable filter studies are reported in Table 1. The main indications for retrievable vena cava filtration are reported in Table 2.

Contraindications to Anticoagulation
According to the seventh American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) Conference on Antithrombotic and Thrombolytic Therapy,^9,10 IVC filter placement is recommended when there is a contraindication or complication of anticoagulant therapy in an individual with proximal DVT or PE. Frequently, the contraindication to anticoagulation is temporary (i.e. haemorragic stroke, trauma) and antithrombotic therapy can be started as soon as it is resolved; in this particular clinical setting, retrievable IVC filters may be an effective and safe ‘bridge’ to anticoagulation.