Enhancing Routine Reporting of IVC Filters: An Interventionalist's Approach to Improving Patient Safety in an...

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Interventional Radiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Many patients are unaware of their inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) presence or lack proper follow-up instructions.
• Underserved urban communities may face greater challenges in IVC filter management and retrieval.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of concurrent reporting and follow-up on diagnostic imaging for increasing IVC filter awareness.
• To improve patient understanding and facilitate the retrieval of indicated IVC filters in an urban population.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study identifying IVC filters on diagnostic imaging (October 2018-October 2019).
• Patient phone surveys assessed awareness, education satisfaction, and desire for follow-up.
• Patients interested in consultation were referred to Vascular Interventional Radiology.

Main Results:

• 77 IVC filters identified; 34 patients consented to the survey.
• 23.5% of patients were unaware of their IVC filter.
• 61.5% of aware patients were dissatisfied with initial education; 88% desired further consultation.
• 8 patients (23.5%) had filters deemed unnecessary, with 6 undergoing retrieval.

Conclusions:

• Diagnostic imaging is a valuable tool for identifying patients with IVC filters, especially in underserved urban areas.
• Concurrent reporting and follow-up can significantly raise patient awareness and improve IVC filter management.
• This strategy enhances the retrieval of indicated IVC filters, optimizing patient care.