Outcomes with retrievable inferior vena cava filters: a multicenter study

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Interventional Radiology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are used to prevent pulmonary embolism.
• Retrievable filters offer a temporary solution for patients at risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) with contraindications to anticoagulation.
• Assessing the outcomes of placement and retrieval is crucial for clinical decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To retrospectively review the outcomes of retrievable IVC filter placement and retrieval.
• To evaluate the safety and technical success rates of IVC filter procedures.
• To compare outcomes between different types of retrievable IVC filters.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of hospital records from two academic medical centers.
• Inclusion of all patients who underwent retrievable IVC filter placement between May 2001 and December 2005.
• Data collection on filter placement, retrieval attempts, success rates, and reasons for failure.

Main Results:

• 197 patients received retrievable IVC filters; 143 had Günther Tulip Filters (GTFs) and 54 had Recovery filters.
• Filter retrieval was attempted in 94 patients (47.7%), with an 85.1% success rate.
• Retrieval failures were due to thrombus or technical difficulties; no significant difference in failure rates between GTF and Recovery filters.

Conclusions:

• Placement and retrieval of nonpermanent IVC filters can be performed safely with high technical success.
• Retrievable IVC filters can be aggressively used to prevent pulmonary embolism in high-risk patients.
• These filters are a valuable tool in managing patients with venous thromboembolism and contraindications to anticoagulation.