Preliminary clinical experience with the titanium Greenfield vena caval filter

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Medical Device Technology
• Interventional Radiology

Background:

• Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters are crucial for preventing pulmonary embolism.
• The standard Greenfield vena caval filter uses a large delivery system, posing insertion challenges.
• A novel titanium model aims to improve upon the existing design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report preliminary clinical experience with the new titanium Greenfield vena caval filter.
• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the titanium filter in a diverse patient population.
• To assess the ease of insertion and complication rates associated with the new device.

Main Methods:

• Preliminary clinical data from 40 patients across three institutions were analyzed.
• The titanium Greenfield vena caval filter was inserted using percutaneous techniques.
• Insertion sites included the femoral vein and internal jugular vein.
• Complications such as thrombosis, filter migration, and insertion failures were recorded.

Main Results:

• Successful insertion was achieved in 39 out of 40 patients.
• One patient (3%) experienced postoperative femoral vein thrombosis.
• Distal filter migration occurred in 3 cases (7.5%) without adverse sequelae.
• No proximal filter migration was observed.

Conclusions:

• The titanium Greenfield vena caval filter demonstrates improved ease of insertion due to its smaller carrier system.
• The sheath technique appears effective in preventing filter misplacement.
• Further techniques to ensure proper hook engagement may prevent distal migration.