Relationship Between Language Spoken and Inferior Vena Cava Filter Retrieval Rates at a Single Center

Abstract

The majority of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters placed are intended to be retrievable after the patient’s risk of pulmonary embolism has decreased. However, studies have shown that there are many factors that play into whether these filters are actually removed. Even socioeconomic factors such as insurance status, age, and race can influence retrieval rates. No study to date has identified a link between IVC retrieval rates and patient language although without proper interpretive services patient language may be a barrier to effective communication and may decrease the likelihood that patients have their filter removed. We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent IVC filter placement at our institution from January 1, 2017, to July 1, 2022. This time frame intentionally excluded the six most recent months to allow appropriate time for filter retrieval. Demographic, procedural, and comorbidity information was collected through the electronic medical record review. Patients who either had their filter removed or who died with the filter in place were counted as a retrieved filter, and those who did not have their filter removed and remained living were coded as filter remaining in place. The Pearson χ2 analysis was used to compare the groups. From January 1, 2017, to July 1, 2022, 150 patients underwent placement of an IVC filter. The overall filter modified (accounting for patient death) retrieval rate was 83%. There was a significantly decreased filter retrieval rate in patients who were listed as speaking a language other than English (61.5%) when compared with English speakers (85.4%, P < .05). Cantonese was the language with the lowest retrieval rate with just 20% of the filters retrieved in patients who spoke Cantonese. In patients whose filter was removed, there was no difference in average days the filter remained in place based on language. In our single institution study, patients who spoke a language other than English had a decreased rate of IVC filter retrieval. The identification of this difference is imperative to creating and implementing programs to ensure equal care across all socioeconomic backgrounds.