Outcomes with retrievable inferior vena cava filters

This was a retrospective study of 144 patients with retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filters inserted between 2004 and 2008 at a community/teaching hospital. The purpose was to evaluate the incidence of complications and the rate and success of retrieval. Retrieval of IVC filters was attempted in 14 of 144 (10%) patients at an average of 4.6 months. Retrieval was successful in 10 of 14 (71%). Within 6 months of insertion, retrieval was successful in 10 of 12 (83%). Unsuccessful attempts were at 3, 6, 8 and 9 months. Non-bleeding complications of IVC filters occurred in 12 of 144 (8.3%). Half (6 of 12) of the complications occurred after 3 months of insertion. Complications included IVC thrombosis in 3 (2.1%) (1 also had a new deep venous thrombosis [DVT]), a new DVT alone in 6 patients (4.2%), a new DVT with new pulmonary embolism (PE) in 1 patient (0.7%) and filter migration in 2 patients (1.3%). In conclusion, retrieval was attempted in only a small proportion of patients at a community/teaching hospital. Formalized guidelines for follow up may increase the proportion of patients in whom retrieval is attempted. Half of the complications of IVC filters could have been avoided with retrieval within 3 months.