Long-duration temporary vena cava filter: a prospective 104-case multicenter study

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Interventional Radiology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Nonpermanent caval filters are crucial for managing thromboembolic events when anticoagulation is contraindicated, ineffective, or complicated.
• Assessing novel temporary caval filters is vital for improving patient outcomes in high-risk scenarios.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the second-generation Tempofilter II for temporary caval filtration.
• To compare the utility of the Tempofilter II with other temporary caval filters.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 103 patients across nine European centers.
• Successful implantation of 104 Tempofilter II devices.
• Filter retrieval was performed when the indication for filtration ceased.

Main Results:

• The Tempofilter II was successfully implanted in all patients, with an average implantation duration of 29.5 days.
• Indications included complications/contraindications to anticoagulation (82.5%) and anticoagulation ineffectiveness (11.7%).
• One filter migration occurred; no other filter-related complications were observed. Retrieval was successful in all cases, with 23.3% trapping thrombus.

Conclusions:

• The Tempofilter II demonstrates safety, effectiveness, and utility in critical thromboembolic situations.
• It serves as a valuable alternative to existing retrievable optional filters.
• The device facilitates successful retrieval even after extended implantation periods.