LGM (Vena Tech) vena caval filter: experience at a single institution

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Interventional Radiology
• Medical Device Evaluation

Background:

• Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters are used to prevent pulmonary embolism.
• Assessing the safety and efficacy of specific IVC filter models is crucial for patient care.
• LG-Medical (LGM) Vena Tech filters represent a specific device for clinical consideration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical experience with the placement and follow-up of LG-Medical (LGM) vena cava filters.
• To assess the complication rates associated with LGM filter placement using different venous access routes.
• To determine the incidence and significance of inferior vena cava (IVC) occlusion following LGM filter implantation.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 63 patients received LGM vena cava filters.
• Follow-up included duplex sonography, abdominal radiography, autopsy, and clinical assessment.
• Complications such as filter malposition, failure to open, thrombosis, and IVC occlusion were recorded.

Main Results:

• Major placement complications occurred in 3 patients, exclusively with right internal jugular vein access.
• Pulmonary embolism recurred in 6% of patients, with one fatality.
• Inferior vena cava (IVC) occlusion occurred in 24% of patients, symptomatic in 19%, and was associated with recurrent PE in two cases.

Conclusions:

• The incidence of IVC occlusion with LGM filters appears higher than previously reported.
• IVC occlusion is a potentially serious complication that warrants careful monitoring.
• Femoral vein access for LGM filter placement is associated with fewer immediate complications compared to jugular vein access.