The treatment of choice for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) is anticoagulant therapy. Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters have been developed to prevent PE in patients with venous thromboembolism who have a contraindication to anticoagulation or in patients considered to be at very high for PE. Several recent reviews are recommended.(more...)

Other sites

http://www.utmedicalcenter.org/cms/Emergency+and+Trauma+Services/Procedures/IVC+Filter/331.html

http://www.vasculardiseasemanagement.com/article/4657

http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/content/abstract/132/1/31

http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/info/surgery/inferior-vena-cava.htm

Also known as a "Greenfield filter". I have one of those implanted in me.