Prolonged placement of the new temporary Montanari's vena cava filter

Abstract

Trauma patients are often at significant risk for venous thromboembolism, a multifactorial disease often manifesting clinically with pulmonary embolism, resulting in high morbidity and mortality rates. Multiple studies have reported the benefit of prophylactic positioning of inferior vena cava temporary filters, but these devices may only be placed for a relatively short time. In a 41-year-old man, admitted to the intensive care unit for multiple trauma, and at high risk for pulmonary embolism, the new definitive/temporary Montanari's vena cava filter (ALN) was positioned at the lower level of the renal veins, and maintained for ten months, much longer than is usual at the present time. The ALN filter was removed through the right jugular vein and no signs of alterations were noted in the removed device. At 1-year follow-up after the device removal, no related adverse events were seen. Since ALN filter does not require anticoagulant treatment, it was also possible to avoid administration of heparin, a high-risk treatment considering the patient's condition and the surgical treatment required.