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Vena caval interruption

S J Braverman1, P M Battey, R B Smith

  • 1Department of Surgery, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia 30322.

The American Surgeon
|March 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Vena caval interruption, using devices like the Greenfield filter, offers a safe and effective alternative to anticoagulation for preventing pulmonary embolism, with low complication rates and minimal long-term issues.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Pulmonary Medicine

Background:

  • Anticoagulation is standard for acute pulmonary embolism.
  • Vena caval interruption is an alternative for patients with anticoagulation contraindications or complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of vena caval interruption.
  • To assess outcomes of Greenfield filters and vena caval clips.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 120 patients over 5 years.
  • 107 Greenfield filters and 13 vena caval clips were used.
  • Follow-up for a mean of 36 months in 65 patients.

Main Results:

  • Successful vena caval interruption in 98% of attempts.
  • Overall complication rate of 7%, with no major morbidity or mortality.
  • Low rates of long-term complications including venous stasis, caval thrombosis, and recurrent pulmonary embolism.

Conclusions:

  • Vena caval interruption, particularly with Greenfield filters, is a safe and effective method for preventing pulmonary embolism.
  • Few immediate or long-term complications are associated with this procedure.

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