Inferior vena cava filter placement for the prevention of pulmonary embolism and the complications related to the filter placement / 介入放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the effects of inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement for the prevention of fatal pulmonary embolism and to discuss the management of complications related to the filter placement. Methods Seventy patients with proved deep vein thrombosis of lower extremity underwent inferior vena cava filter placement. A total of 72 IVC filters were implanted, which included 20 Trap Ease filters, 31Vena Tech filters, 13 retrievable OptEase~(TM) filters and 8 Tempo Ⅱ filters. One filter was deployed above the orifice of renal vein and the remaining 71 were deployed below the orifice of renal vein. Results All the patients were followed up for 8-72 months after the procedure. During the follow-up period no fatal pulmonary embolism occurred except that some complications related to the filter placement occurred in 6 cases.Conclusion Inferior vena cava filter placement can effectively prevent the occurrence of pulmonary embolism. Of course, this treatment should be strictly applied according to the indications.