Related Experiment Videos
Oversized inferior vena cava: use of a single Vena Tech--LGM filter
S F Millward1, J Aquino, R A Peterson
1Department of Radiological Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ont.
Insights
This study demonstrates successful placement of the LG-Medical filter in patients with oversized inferior vena cava. This technique avoids the need for bi-iliac filters, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are used to prevent pulmonary embolism.
- Oversized IVCs present challenges for standard filter placement.
- Bi-iliac filter placement is an alternative but may have complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a technique for placing the LG-Medical filter in patients with an oversized inferior vena cava.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of this placement technique.
Main Methods:
- Placement of the LG-Medical filter in four patients with IVC diameter > 28 mm at the renal vein level.
- Filter placement in a tapered inferior segment of the IVC (< 28 mm).
Main Results:
- Successful filter placement without difficulty or complication in all four patients.
- No filter migration, recurrent pulmonary embolism, or IVC occlusion in surviving patients (mean follow-up 276 days).
- One patient died due to unrelated underlying disease.
Conclusions:
- LG-Medical filter placement in the tapered inferior IVC is a feasible technique for patients with oversized IVCs.
- This method may obviate the need for bi-iliac filter placement.
- The technique appears safe and effective in preventing filter-related complications.
Abstract:
The authors describe placement of the LG-Medical filter (B. Braun/Vena Tech, Evanston, Ill.) in four patients with an oversized inferior vena cava. The corrected caval diameter at the level of the most inferior renal vein was greater than 28 mm in each patient. However, in each case the vena cava tapered inferiorly to a segment with a diameter less than 28 mm, and the filter was placed at this site. Filter placement was accomplished without difficulty or complication in all cases. One patient died of underlying disease. The three surviving patients were followed for 119 to 374 (mean 276) days. There was no evidence of filter migration, recurrent pulmonary embolism, occlusion of the venacava, access-site thrombosis or other complication. The authors concluded that placement of bi-iliac filters can be avoided by this technique.