Inferior vena cava filter insertion and retrieval patterns in a tertiary referral centre in Ireland

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are widely used in clinical practice to prevent large, clinically significant pulmonary emboli. Modern filters are designed to be retrievable within a specific time window; however, many become lost to follow-up.

To examine the insertion and retrieval patterns of IVC filters in a tertiary referral teaching hospital in Ireland.

A retrospective review of all IVC filter insertions and retrievals was performed in a tertiary referral university teaching hospital which incorporates the national referral centre for pelvic and acetabular trauma, over a 22-month period.

Fifty-seven patients underwent IVC filter insertion with 100% technical success. The most common indication was prophylaxis in patients at high risk of deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary emboli (64.9%), followed by patients with contra-indication to anticoagulation (24.6%) and breakthrough thromboembolic events despite anticoagulation (10.5%). IVC filter retrievals were attempted in 48.9% of patients with a success rate of 86.9%. The mean dwell time for retrieved IVC filters was 159.4 days.

Inferior vena cava filter insertion and retrieval patterns in our centre were comparable to trends reported internationally with scope for improvement in terms of filter retrieval rates and minimising filter dwell time. Particular vigilance is required in younger patients where the indication for filter insertion was prophylactic.