Recommended reporting standards for vena caval filter placement and patient follow-up.

THE use of vena caval filters has increased significantly since the introduction of percutaneous placement techniques and the development of reduced-profile devices. The literature contains hundreds of reports of immediate and long-term outcomes for patients who have had these devices placed but the reports do not employ consistent standards, definitions, or techniques, making it difficult to compare outcomes and determine the relative efficacy and safety of the available devices (1–3). Successful deployment of a vena caval filter fundamentally requires a patent filter, properly positioned within the vena cava in such a manner as to protect against pulmonary embolism. With this premise, the following reporting standards have been developed to assess caval filter placement, function, and other outcome parameters. They are applicable to all FDAapproved vena caval filters, regardless of other reportable aspects: basic design, manufacturer, the specialty of the clinician placing the device, the indications for which it was placed, and whether it was intended for permanent or temporary use. These data should be evaluated with use of rigorous statistical methods to allow unbiased comparisons that should lead to improved outcomes for patients. Extensive literature citations have been included either to highlight the significance of each standard, or to provide examples of typical reports.