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Optional vena cava filters: preliminary experience with a new vena cava filter
Stefano Pieri1, Paolo Agresti, Maurizio Morucci
1Servizio di Radiologia Vascolare ed Interventistica, Azienda Ospedaliera S. Camillo-Forlanini, Rome, Italy. stepieri@excite.it
La Radiologia Medica
|April 18, 2003
Summary
A new retrievable vena cava filter offers a safe and effective solution for preventing pulmonary embolism in specific clinical situations. This device provides a temporary solution without the long-term risks of permanent filters.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Interventional Radiology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) prevention often requires inferior vena cava (IVC) filters.
- Temporary IVC filters have short-to-medium term limitations, while permanent filters carry long-term risks.
- A novel, retrievable IVC filter aims to bridge this gap, offering temporary protection with easier removal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the initial clinical experience with a new, retrievable definitive vena cava filter.
- To assess the safety, efficacy, and retrieval characteristics of this novel IVC filter.
- To determine the suitability of this filter for patients requiring short-to-medium term PE prophylaxis.
Main Methods:
- Eighteen ALN vena cava filters were deployed between January 1999 and December 2001.
- Deployment approaches included transbrachial, transjugular, and transfemoral routes.
- Indications included pelvic trauma, hip replacement, and prophylactic placement in high-risk patients; retrieval was performed when filters were no longer necessary, with CT imaging prior to removal.
Main Results:
- Technical success was achieved in all 18 deployments.
- No procedural complications, filter migration, or rupture occurred during follow-up.
- No instances of vena cava or access site thrombosis were observed; median retrieval time was 12 minutes.
Conclusions:
- The retrievable definitive vena cava filter is a safe and effective option for PE prevention in select patients.
- This device is ideal for conditions requiring temporary IVC filtration, such as pelvic fractures or specific surgical interventions.
- Its ease of retrieval addresses the limitations of both temporary and permanent IVC filter designs.