Removal of retrievable vena cava filters in routine practice: a multicenter study

Vena cava filters (VCFs) are used to prevent pulmonary embolism when anticoagulation is contraindicated or in the event of progression of thrombosis despite adequate anticoagulation. Retrievable VCFs provide a potential advantage over permanent VCFs, but the appropriateness of their use and the frequency with which they are removed is not well established.

Document the indications for insertion of retrievable VCFs, filter removal in hospital practice.

Observational study conducted in three academic medical centers. Consecutive patients undergoing retrievable VCF insertion were identified. Clinical data was extracted from the patients' charts and follow up data were obtained from treating physicians after discharge.

300 patients were studied. The indication for filter insertion was acute bleeding (46.1%) or surgery (24.2%) in patients with acute thrombosis, prevention of venous thromboembolism in trauma (13.3%), potential bleeding in patients with deep vein thrombosis (9.1%) thromboembolism while on adequate anticoagulation (5.7%) and other (1.3%). 21 (7%) filters were removed. An unsuccessful attempt at retrieval was undertaken in a further 9 (3%) patients.

The use of retrievable VCFs was appropriate, with the possible exception of their prophylactic use in major trauma. The majority of VCFs were not removed, for reasons that are not apparent.