[Clinical results with a detachable temporary vena cava filter]

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Medical Devices
• Interventional Radiology

Background:

• Deep vein thrombosis and iliac vein thrombosis pose significant risks, including pulmonary embolism.
• Temporary vena cava filters are used to prevent pulmonary embolism in patients with these conditions.
• Existing temporary filters may have limitations in terms of implantation and retrieval.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of implanting and explanting the detachable and retrievable OptEase temporary vena cava filter.
• To assess the efficacy of the OptEase filter in preventing pulmonary embolism.

Main Methods:

• The OptEase nitinol filter was implanted transjugularly or transfemorally in 11 patients (age 19-82).
• Patients had deep vein thrombosis or iliac vein thrombosis; some received prophylactic implantation.
• Filters were retrieved up to 13 days post-detachment using a loop technique.

Main Results:

• No pulmonary embolism occurred during or after filter implantation.
• All filters were successfully retrieved without complications using the loop technique.
• No thrombus material was found within the retrieved filters.

Conclusions:

• The OptEase filter is an easily implantable and retrievable system.
• Detachable implantation without continuous venous access minimizes sterility concerns.
• The filter can serve as a temporary or permanent solution if explantation is not needed.