[Percutaneous transluminal implantation of the Günther cava filter: experience based on 22 patients]

During the last three years, Günther cava filters were implanted in 20/22 patients. The indications for the procedure were single pulmonary emboli in 4, recurrent pulmonary emboli in 6 and pelvic vein thromboses with free thrombus but without pulmonary emboli in 12. In 2 patients implantation of the cava filter could not be carried out because of low position of the renal veins. 15 patients were re-examined 2 weeks to 20 months after the introduction of the filter. In no cases was there clinical evidence of recurrent pulmonary emboli. Occlusion of the inferior vena cava was demonstrated in 1 patient and downward displacement of the cava filter in 6 patients. Perforation of at least one prong of the filter through the wall of the inferior vena cava could be recognized in 4 patients. In 1 patient there was fracture of one leg of the filter but this was clinically not apparent.