Advances in Design and Preparation of Biodegradable Inferior Vena Cava Filters

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with pulmonary embolism (PE) constituting its most fatal clinical consequence. Inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) have been employed as a mechanical prophylactic strategy for patients with contraindications to anticoagulation or recurrent embolic events. However, permanent implantation and limited retrieval success are associated with device-related complications, including caval perforation, migration, fracture, and filter-induced thrombosis. Biodegradable IVCFs have been investigated as an alternative approach to provide temporary protection while avoiding the complications associated with long-term implantation. This review discusses recent advances in biodegradable IVCFs from a material perspective, focusing on material selection, structural design, degradation characteristics, and biological responses. Biodegradable polymers, degradable metallic materials, and shape-memory systems are evaluated regarding their mechanical stability, degradation behavior, vascular compatibility, and functional requirements. Strategies for improving radiopacity while preserving biodegradability are also summarized. Despite ongoing progress, key challenges remain in precisely controlling degradation kinetics, maintaining adequate mechanical support during the therapeutic period, and validating long-term safety through clinical studies. Further efforts in material optimization, biofunctional modification, and individualized fabrication may facilitate the future development of biodegradable IVCFs.