Ces radiol. 2021, 75(2):172-176 | DOI: 10.55095/CesRadiol2021/021

Inferior vena cava filters - a single-centre experienceOriginal article

Matej Straka¹, Jakub Hustý¹, Tomáš Rohan¹, Martin Radvan², Marek Sůva²

¹ Klinika radiologie a nukleární medicíny LF MU a FN, Brno

² Interní kardiologická klinika LF MU a FN, Brno

Aim: Evaluation of indications and complications associated with the introduction and extraction of caval filters.

Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of all patients with inserted caval filter in the Brno University Hospital in the period 1/2013-12/2020. The age and sex of patients, indications for the introduction of caval filters, and the presence of pulmonary embolism at the time of filter insertion or in the anamnesis were monitored. In the case of temporary caval filters, the time to filter extraction and the frequency of failed extractions were monitored. Descriptive statistics were used from statistical methods.

Results: A total of 72 inferior vena cava (VCI) filters were inserted for the presence of proximal deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity. In 53 patients, caval filter was inserted to patients with contraindication of systemic anticoagulation, 16 patients due to thrombus extending into the inferior vena cava before planned local thrombolysis, and in 3 patients due to ineffective systemic anticoagulation. In 58 patients, the caval filter was inserted with the intention of its extraction, in 14 patients, the caval filter was inserted primarily permanently. In 44 patients, caval filters were extracted on average 103 ± 54 days after the introduction (median: 104 days, range: 7-222 days), in 4 patients the extraction was unsuccessful, 8 patients did not come to regular check-up. Complications were observed in 3 patients.

Conclusion: The insertion of caval filters was associated with a low rate of complications in our study group. Nevertheless, the risks and benefits of this procedure should be considered individually.

Keywords: deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, inferior vena cava filter

Grants and funding:

Publikace vznikla na Masarykově univerzitě v rámci projektu MUNI/A/1342/2020 podpořeného z prostředků účelové podpory na specifický vysokoškolský výzkum, kterou poskytovalo MŠMT v roce 2020. Dále podpořeno MZ ČR - RVO (FNBr, 65269705).

Accepted: May 26, 2021; Published: June 1, 2021  Show citation