The placement of inferior vena cava filters for the treatment of deep venous thrombosis

Abstract

Objective To explore the effect and technical consideration of placement of inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) in the treatment of low extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Methods From Jun 2011 to Jun 2013, 73 consecutive DVT cases were for IVCF placement. There were 47 males and 26 females with a mean age of (51±23) years (ranging from 36 to 80 years). Results Procedures were successful in 70 out of 73 cases. There were 18 permanent and 52 temporary IVCFs deployed. The indications for filter insertion were pulmonary embolism(PE)(25 cases, 34%), perioperative prophylactic implantation(18 cases, 24%), contraindication to anticoagulation therapy(15 cases, 20%) and iliofemoral vein thrombosis(10 cases, 13%). 17 filters were successfully removed with a successful rate of 33%. After the follow-up of mean 24 months (4 to 36 months) of 68 patients, no pulmonary embolism occurred, but symptomatic DVT recurred in 5 patients, and the conditions were improved after anticoagulation treatment. No serious complication of post thrombotic syndrome occurred. Conclusions IVCF placement is effective for prevention of PE, when the therapeutic indications and contraindications are properly controlled. Key words: Venous thrombosis; Vena cava filters; Pulmonary embolism