Thromboembolism and cancer: treatment with the Hunter balloon

Between 1970 and 1982, 126 inferior vena cava (IVC) balloon occlusions were performed for complications of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Forty, or 32%, were in patients with cancer. There were 20 men and 20 women. The average age was 60.8 +/- 2 years. Cancers of the brain, lung, and breast, along with diffuse metastatic disease with unknown primary disease, were equally common and represented 50% of our cases. Indications for IVC occlusion included pulmonary embolus despite anticoagulation (AC); 50% VTE and contraindication to AC, 38%; and complications of AC, 12%. Three patients died from ongoing complications of previous AC. Eight additional patients died of cancer, for a hospital mortality rate of 28%. Twenty-nine patients were discharged an average of 28.4 +/- 4.3 days after IVC balloon occlusion. Twenty of these patients subsequently died of cancer an average of 13 +/- 4.7 months after hospital discharge. Eight patients remain alive, four for more than 4 years. Pulmonary emboli did not occur after balloon occlusion, and there were no balloon complications. Only 4 of 29 discharged patients had mild leg edema. Hunter balloon occlusion of the IVC represents a safe and effective method for managing complications of VTE in patients with cancer. Early hospital discharge is possible, treatment is permanent, and future chemotherapy is not compromised by the need for long-term anticoagulation.