Long-Term Consequences of Pelvic Trauma Patients With Thromboembolic Disease Treated With Inferior Vena Caval Filters

Abstract

The use of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters for prevention of pulmonary embolism (PE) in high-risk trauma patients is well accepted. High rates of recurrent venous thrombosis, however, and postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) have been reported in nonsurgical patients with medical comorbidities. Patients with pelvic trauma and thromboembolic disease have a unique thrombogenic pathophysiology, and the long-term consequences of filter placement in these patients are unknown. We sought to evaluate the outcomes of patients who sustained pelvic trauma, and who developed venous thrombosis and were treated with a vena caval filter. A cohort of 102 consecutive patients was treated for a pelvic or acetabular fracture who developed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) preoperatively and had a caval filter placed. Thromboembolic events and complications were evaluated by both retrospective chart review and a prospective questionnaire. Eighty-eight patients (86%) returned the questionnaire at an average follow-up of 4 years. No patients were readmitted to the hospital for recurrent venous thrombosis or PE. Six patients (7%) described new swelling in the lower extremities, and one (1%) demonstrated evidence of PTS. No deaths occurred related to PE. The use of IVC filters appears to be safe and effective in preventing PE in patients with pelvic trauma and established venous thrombosis. The risk of recurrent DVT is low and PTS is negligible in these patients. Filter placement use is not associated with the same long-term complications as in patients with thrombosis because of chronic medical comorbidities.