The Günther-Tulip retrievable IVC filter: clinical experience in 118 consecutive patients

The purpose of this study was to assess the use of the Günther Tulip Filter (GTF) for the management of venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Between December 2000 and April 2005, 118 patients (42 males, 76 females; mean age 60.5 years) diagnosed with VTE, underwent treatment with a GTF. The filter was left permanently in 52 patients. In the other 66 patients, attempts were made to retrieve it, with success in 60 cases (90.9%). No major complication was found throughout the filter's use. Of the 58 patients with the permanent filters, 41 underwent enhanced computed tomography at follow-up in the chronic phase. Thirty-eight filters (92.7%) remained patent, and under low-intensity anticoagulation therapy (international normalized ratio 1.8+/-0.4), the patency rate was 97.1%. Penetration of the inferior vena cava (IVC) wall by the filter's struts beyond a distance of 3 mm occurred in 23 patients (56.1%), but there was no observable leakage from the IVC or injury to adjacent organs.

The GTF is feasible and safe for treating VTE. When used permanently, GTFs have a high patency rate, and there is neither leakage from the IVC nor injury to adjacent organs in the event of penetration by the struts.