Efficacy and Safety of Vena Cava Filters in Preventing Pulmonary Embolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives To assess the treatment effectiveness of inferior vena cava filters (IVCF) versus non-IVCF for patients undergoing varies conditions. Methods We systematically searched the databases to identify eligible RCTs from their inception up to 9/20/2020. The primary endpoint was pulmonary embolism (PE), while the secondary endpoints included deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), major bleeding, and all-cause mortality. The RRs with 95% CIs were applied as effect estimates for the treatment effectiveness of IVCF versus non-IVCF and calculated by using the random-effects model. Results 1,137 patients of 5 RCTs were enrolled. There were no significant differences between IVCF and non-IVCF for the risk of PE, major bleeding, and all-cause mortality, while the risk of DVT was significantly increased for patients treated with IVCF. Conclusions The use of IVCF did not yield any benefits on PE, major bleeding, and all-cause mortality risk for patients undergoing various conditions, while the risk of DVT was significantly increased for patients treated with IVCF.