INFERIOR VENA CAVA FILTER PLACEMENT FOR PREVENTION OF PULMONARY THROMBOEMBOLISM: CASE SERIES FROM NORTHWESTERN...

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Interventional Radiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement is crucial for preventing pulmonary thromboembolism in lower limb venous thromboembolic disease.
• Northern Nigeria has a high incidence of thromboembolic disease, yet IVC filter placement reports are scarce.
• This study addresses the need for accessible VTE interventions in resource-limited environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and outcomes of IVC filter placement in a low-resource setting in Northern Nigeria.
• To demonstrate the successful application of IVC filters for pulmonary embolism prevention in a challenging environment.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of medical records for seven patients who underwent IVC filter placement.
• IVC filters were deployed using a C-arm fluoroscopic unit.
• One case utilized an indwelling dialysis catheter for access.

Main Results:

• Eight patients (equal male/female, ages 20-80) underwent IVC filter placement.
• Indications included bilateral DVT, pulmonary embolism, and extensive venous thrombosis.
• All procedures resulted in successful deployment and satisfactory post-procedure conditions.

Conclusions:

• IVC filter placement is a viable and effective intervention for preventing pulmonary embolism, even in resource-poor settings.
• Successful deployment in this series highlights the potential for broader implementation in similar contexts.
• Further exploration of such interventions is recommended to improve VTE management in underserved regions.