RESUMEN
Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of retrievable vena caval filters in preventing pulmonary embolism in high risk group of patients when filter indications were transient
Patients and methods: Twenty Allen square stent retrievable filters [SSF] were temporary inserted in 20 patients [8 males and 12 females, median age 41 years] who at transient high risk of pulmonary embolism [PE]. The patients were referred to the vscular surgery department. El Housein hospital during the period from July 2004 to July 2005. All filters were reviewed for deployment or retrievial complications as migration, dislodgment, tilting malposition or thrombosis inside the filter. The filters were retrieved from 2 days to 2 weeks from their insertion. All patients were reviewed for PE either clinically or radiologically [plain x ray chest, ventilation/perfusion scan or CT scan] in suspected cases
Results: All patients were proven to have DVT [100 %] either of lower limbs veins in 17 patients[85%] or of pelvic veins in 3 patients[15 %].The patients were referred from general surgery [8], obstetric and gynecology [6], and from vascular clinic [6]. The main temporary filter indication was thrombolysis therapy [60%]. Transfemoral insertion was done in 15 patient [75%], and transjugular insertion was done in 5 patients [25 %]. The average filter time was 5.4 days. The main filter problem was filter thrombosis [2 patients]. All filters were retrieved safely except one was left as permanent filter because of thrombosis. Two patients died during follow up becauses of causes other than PE
Conclusion: The square stent filter is easy to place and to retrieve, is stable after placement, and has a high efficacy for trapping emboli and excellent protection against PE