Clinical application of the convertible vena cava filter / 中华普通外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To evaluate the short-term efficacy, safety and complications of convertible vena cava filter.Methods:The clinical and follow-up data of 103 patients who were placed with the convertible vena cava filter from May 2017 to May 2018 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:The convertible vena cava filters were successfully implanted in all cases. Twenty-seven cases underwent filter conversion, and 26 cases were successfully converted (5-145 days after implantation). None of them had complications such as thrombus formation, displacement, tilt, fracture or vein wall penetration. The reasons for no conversion included age (18.4%, 19/103), high-risk patients (12.6%, 13/103), limited organ function (9.7%, 10/103), etc. Ninety-four patients (91.3%) were followed up for 6 months. One developed thrombus in the filter, 3 developed lower limb venous thrombosis without inferior vena cava occlusion, and no patients were found with symptomatic pulmonary embolism.Conclusions:The convertible vena cava filter can safely and effectively reduce the incidence of perioperative pulmonary embolism.Age, limited organ function and high-risk of thrombosis are the main reasons for the low conversion rate.