Related Experiment Videos
Vena caval occlusion after bird's nest filter placement
J H Thomas1, K M Cornell, E L Siegel
1Department of Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City 66160-7308, USA.
American Journal of Surgery
|February 2, 1999
Summary
Bird's nest filters cause inferior vena cava thrombosis in 7% of patients, similar to Greenfield filters. This complication requires further evaluation due to its severe outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Interventional Radiology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are used to prevent pulmonary embolism.
- Intracaval barrier devices, such as Greenfield filters, are associated with a 6.5% incidence of IVC thrombosis.
- The incidence of IVC thrombosis with bird's nest filters is not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of filter-induced IVC thrombosis in patients with bird's nest filters.
- To compare the thrombotic complication rates between bird's nest and Greenfield filters.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 140 patients who received bird's nest filters.
- Patient interviews and clinical assessment.
- Duplex scanning of the IVC in 37 patients to detect thrombosis.
Main Results:
- A total of 93 patients were available for evaluation.
- Caval thrombosis was detected in 5 patients via duplex scanning.
- An additional 2 patients presented with clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of caval thrombosis.
- Most patients who developed thrombosis were on anticoagulant therapy.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of IVC thrombosis associated with bird's nest filters is approximately 7%.
- This rate is comparable to that observed with Greenfield filters.
- Given the serious nature of IVC thrombosis and the increasing use of IVC filters, their role in managing thrombotic disease warrants critical reassessment.