Mid-and long-term results of inferior vena cava filter placement in a single-center

Objective To evaluate the mid-and long-term clinical curative effect and complications after inferior vena cava filter (VCF) implantation.Methods Clinical data of 272 patients from August 1998 to August 2012 in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed and patients were divided into group A (19 cases) in which no anticoagulant was given,group B (112 cases) receiving conventional anticoagulant therapy,and group C (141 cases) managed with anticoagulation plus embolectomy or catheter directed thrombolysis and stent implantation.The caval patency rate,PE events and complications were analyzed.Results Filter implantation was successful in all the 272 cases.There was no procedure-related serious complications and symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE).Patients were followed-up from 3 months to 9 years,with an average of 3.8 ± 1.2 years.The number of new-onset PE was 3,recurrent DVT was 29,and PTS was 40.There were 19 patients presenting inferior vena cava thrombosis,with complete IVC occlusion in 9 cases.3 year patency rate was 88.64％ ; Patency rate of vena cava respectively was:84.2％ in group A,96.43％ in group B,98.58％ in group C.Vena cava patency rate was higher with DVT originating in the left lower limb (98.65％) than that in the right (90.32％) and bilateral limbs (83.33％).Conclusions VCF can prevent PE safely and effectively.It helps to establish a comprehensive treatment to improve the prognosis of VTE. Key words: Venous thrombosis;  Vena cava filters;  Pulmonary embolism