Keywords:
Interventional vascular, Veins / Vena cava, Haematologic, Catheter venography, Fluoroscopy, Removal, Filter insertions, Technical aspects, Outcomes
Authors:
D. J. Bowden, A. M. Lee, T. Murray, M. Given, M. J. Lee; Dublin/IE
DOI:
10.1594/ecr2018/C-2606
Aims and objectives
Introduction:
Prior to the invention of the first endovascular inferior vena cava filter by Mobin-Uddin in 1967 [1],
therapeutic interruption of the IVC was achieved through open surgery in which the vessel was variously plicated with sutures [2] or clamped externally [3].
Today,
retrievable filters,
which have been available since the early 2000’s [4],
are typically deployed when a temporary contraindication to anticoagulation exists and removed once the patient is again suitable for anticoagulation.
A common clinical scenario in which temporary IVC filter placement is required occurs in patients with thromboembolic disease who require surgery and therefore cannot be anticoagulated in the perioperative period.
Owing to the potential for an IVC filter to tilt or become displaced due to traction or instrumentation during surgery,
the retrieval of a preoperatively inserted temporary IVC filter in the post operative period can present technical challenges to the interventional radiologist.
The purpose of this study was to analyse a cohort of patients in whom IVC filters were preoperatively inserted,
and identify factors leading to difficult or failed retrieval.