[Clinical results with a detachable temporary vena cava filter]

Evaluation of the feasibility of implantation and explantation and evaluation of the efficacy of a detachable and retrievable temporary vena cava filter.

The temporary vena cava filter "OptEase" (Cordis) is a nitinol filter derived from the "TrapEase" (Cordis) permanent filter, which is implantable transjugularly or transfemorally. In contrast to other temporary filters, this type can be detached and is not fixed on a catheter during implantation. Therefore, it is usable as a temporary as well as a permanent filter which can be retrieved up to 12 days after detachment with a special catheter using the loop technique. The "OptEase" filter was implanted in 11 patients ranging in age from 19 to 82 (mean age 30 years). In 10 patients the filter was transfemorally implanted and explanted. In 1 patient implantation was performed transjugularly prior to surgery and explantation was performed transfemorally after surgery. All patients had a deep vein thrombosis or iliac vein thrombosis. In 3 patients the filter was implanted prior to surgery. In 2 patients pulmonary embolism was identified. In 5 patients the filter was implanted prophylactically because of deep vein thrombosis according to interdisciplinary diagnosis.

No pulmonary embolism occurred during implantation. All filters were able to be retrieved without complications using the loop technique on the 6th, 8th, 12th and 13th day. No captured thrombus material was in the filter.

This new vena cava filter type is an easily implantable and retrievable system. Since this filter type is detachable without a need for venous access during implantation, there are no sterility problems. The filter can be left in the vena cava as a permanent system if explantation is not indicated.