Prophylactic placement of an inferior vena cava filter in high-risk patients undergoing spinal reconstruction

2004 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael K. Rosner ◽  
Timothy R. Kuklo ◽  
Rabih Tawk ◽  
Ross Moquin ◽  
Stephen L. Ondra

Object The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of prophylactic inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement in high-risk patients who undergo major spine reconstruction. Methods In the pilot study, 22 patients undergoing major spine reconstruction received prophylactic IVC filters. These patients were prospectively followed to evaluate complications related to the filter, the rate of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) formation, and the rate of pulmonary embolism (PE). These data were compared with those obtained in a retrospective review for PE in a matched cohort treated at the same institution. At a second institution the treatment guidelines were implemented in 17 patients undergoing complex spine surgery with the same follow-up criteria. In the pilot study, no patient experienced PE (0%), whereas two had DVT (9%). Bilateral DVT developed postoperatively in one patient (associated morbidity rate 4.5%), who required thrombolytic therapy. One patient died of unrelated surgical complications. The PE rate in the matched cohort at the same institution was 12%. At the second institution, no patient had PE, and no complications were noted. Conclusions In this patient population, prophylactic IVC filter placement appears to decrease the PE rate substantially, from 12 to 0%. The placement of IVC filters appears to be a safe and efficacious intervention for prevention of PE in high-risk patients.

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (01) ◽  
pp. 27-30
Author(s):  
Sandeep T. Laroia ◽  
Justin J. Guan ◽  
Archana T. Laroia ◽  
Lucas Lenhart ◽  
Antony J. Hayes

Abstract Introduction Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter tilt is a common complication that occurs during and after filter placement. Severe tilting leads to reduced filter efficacy, lower retrieval success, and higher complication rates during retrieval. We present a novel catheter technique to correct severely tilted cone-shaped IVC filters without having to retrieve and replace the existing filter. Methods A retrospective review was performed for patients at our institution over three years who had severely tilted filters and underwent correction with the catheter technique. Indications for filter placement were categorized, and patient age, gender, tilt correction outcome, and complication rates were collected and analyzed. After severe tilting was noted on post-IVC filter deployment venogram, a Sos catheter was passed via the same femoral access site used for the filter placement. The catheter tip was reformed inside the cone of the filter and was used to push the filter tip back toward midline. Completion venogram was taken to document the amelioration of the tilt. Results Out of 28 patients who were found to have severely tilted filters on deployment and underwent correction with the catheter technique, 27/28 (96.4%) had successful correction. One (3.6%) had a minor complication where the filter struts became entangled with the catheter tip; however, simple maneuvering of the catheter and use of a stiff wire to straighten the catheter loop freed up the entanglement. No major complications occurred. Conclusion This technique is safe, effective, obviates filter replacement, and can be considered an additional management option for severe IVC filter tilt during placement.


Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 914-914
Author(s):  
Nikhil Bhalla ◽  
Anca Bulgaru ◽  
Lynn Church ◽  
Dinesh Kapur ◽  
Herb Lustberg ◽  
...  

Abstract Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are used in patients (pts.) with Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) to prevent pulmonary embolism (PE) when anticoagulation cannot be administered. The purpose of this study was to analyze the use and outcomes of IVC filters in a community hospital. We reviewed the medical records of all pts. who had IVC filters implanted at William W. Backus Hospital between May 2003 and May 2005. Follow up information was obtained up to August 2005 by mailings from the attending physicians. 125 IVC filters were implanted in 121 pts., ages 18 to 93, with 61 males and 60 females. The indications for implantation were contraindication as follows: to anticoagulation in 72 pts. (58%), up coming surgical procedures in 33 pts. (26%), and severity of clot burden in 20 pts. (16%). 123 (98%) filters were deployed into an infrarenal position and 2 into a suprarenal position due to extensive clot in the IVC. Of the 105 filters that were not retrieved 60 were Gunther Tulip (GT) retrievable IVC filters, 42 were Cordis Trapease (CT) permanent IVC filters, 2 were stainless steel Greenfield IVC filters, and 1 was a Cordis Optease (CO) IVC filter. Of the 20 retrieved filters 19 were GT retrievable IVC filters and 1 was a CO IVC filter. Of the 125 filters, 74 were intended to be permanent filters (59%) and 51 (41%) were inserted with intention of retrieval. 31/51 (60%) were eventually not retrieved because of various reasons: need for additional surgery (12), poor pulmonary reserve (5), high-risk of bleeding (5), severity of clot burden (4), short life expectancy (4), and extremely high risk of recurrent DVT (1). Short-term and long-term anticoagulation was used in conjunction with the IVC filters in 21 and 81 pts. respectively. 38 (31%) of the 121 pts. experienced recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE), 37 developed symptomatic DVT and 1 had a symptomatic PE. 3/20 (15%) of the pts. who had their filters retrieved developed recurrent DVT (18, 22, and 76 days after filter retrieval) compared with 34/105 (32%) pts. who had permanent filters. The only objectively documented symptomatic PE occurred in a pt. with a permanent filter. This pt. had a recurrent PE 7 months post GT IVC filter insertion diagnosed by chest CT scan with PE protocol. Complications were as follows: 1 pt. had transient hypertension immediately after IVC insertion and 1 pt. developed a transient low-grade fever after retrieval. 1 pt. developed retroperitoneal hematoma upon retrieval 75 days after implantation as documented by an IVC Gram and this pt. recovered without need for any intervention and there were no adverse clinical consequences. The implantation periods ranged from 2 to 104 days in the 20 retrieved filters with mean/median of 20/9 days. 4 of the 20 retrieved filters (20%) contained trapped emboli and none of these pts. subsequently developed PE. The GT retrievable IVC filter is now the filter of choice at our institution and can be implanted permanently or with retrieval in mind. Conclusion: Retrievable filters were removed up to 104 days post insertion in this series of pts. and the incidence of complications was negligible. Retrievable IVC filters may be substituted for permanent IVC filters to preserve the option of retrieval, and retrieval of filters beyond 3 months post implantation is feasible and should be studied further.


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 2553-2553
Author(s):  
Amanjit S. Baadh ◽  
Stephen Rivoli ◽  
Jack Ansell ◽  
Robert E. Graham

Abstract Abstract 2553 Background: Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filter placement has increased significantly over the past few decades, due to expanding indications for filter placement. Indications for filter placement vary widely depending on which professional society recommendations are followed. Our objectives were to record the number of IVC filters placed in our medium sized metropolitan teaching hospital, assess the effect of medical specialty on placement and evaluate compliance with accepted standards as set by the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) and the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR). Methods: Single-center, retrospective medical record review of all patients who received an IVC filter over 26 months (01/30/2008 - 4/5/2010). Inclusion criteria included patients from both sexes, all ages, filter placement within the aforementioned dates and inpatient procedures performed by interventional radiology. A total of 443 IVC filters were placed in our institution over the time period studied. 48.1% (213) of these filters were placed by interventional radiology. Of these, 187 were reviewed with 26 excluded do to incomplete patient records available at the time of review (July 2010). Medical records were reviewed for patient demographics, clinical course, and compliance with accepted guidelines set by the ACCP and SIR. Results: The average age was 75.3 years and 43.9% of the patients were males. 76.2% of patients were on the medical service (internal medicine and its subspecialties) whereas 22.8% were on non medical services. 87.2 % of filters were recommended by medicine and its subspecialties and 12.8% by non medical specialties. 43.3% of filters placed met guidelines established by the ACCP (Table 1). 79.1% of filters placed met SIR guidelines (Table 2). No documentation was available to assess compliance for 20.9% of filters. 46% of filters placed by internal medicine and its subspecialties met ACCP criteria whereas only 25% of filters recommended by non medicine specialties were compliant with criteria (p value=0.039, 95% CI). Physicians within internal medicine and its subspecialties were compliant with SIR guidelines for 84% of the filters placed, whereas only 46% of non medicine physicians met these indications (p=0.001, 95% CI). 35.8% of filters placed met SIR criteria but did not meet ACCP guidelines. Conclusions: Indications for IVC filter placement varied significantly in this study, less than half of filters placed met ACCP guidelines, yet over three-fourths met criteria set by the SIR, especially when comparing medicine and non medicine specialties. In analyzing the filters which meet indications set by SIR but not ACCP it becomes apparent that most of these are placed for patients classified as “fall risks”, failures of anticoagulation, limited cardiopulmonary reserve and medication noncompliance. Further research needs to be guided towards evaluating if these indications truly merit the placement of an IVC filter. This study strongly suggests a need for harmonization of current guidelines espoused by professional societies. A limitation of our study was that 230 filters placed by vascular surgery and interventional cardiology were not reviewed. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 5912-5912
Author(s):  
Rena Shah ◽  
Anita Turk ◽  
Bilal Rahim ◽  
Waddah Arafat ◽  
Moniba Nazeef ◽  
...  

Abstract Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters, first introduced in 1998, have been utilized to reduce risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) in the setting of an inability to anticoagulate patients. The use of IVC filters has increased and continues to rise, especially with the introduction of retrievable IVC filters. Since their initial introduction, guidelines have been developed on the appropriate use of IVC filters. According to the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), the use of an IVC filter is limited to patients with an absolute contraindication to therapeutic anticoagulation or failure or complication of anticoagulation in the setting an acute proximal venous thrombus. Relative indications for IVC filter placement include high clot burden in setting of low cardiopulmonary reserve, high risk patients, or severe trauma without documented thrombosis. In 2010, the FDA announced a safety communication recommending removal of retrievable IVC filters due to reports of several adverse clinical outcomes associated with retained filters including thrombus formation, recurrent PE, filter migration, erosion or perforation through the IVC wall, and filter fracture with fragment embolization. In 2014, the FDA recommended removal of the IVC filter within 2 months after filter placement if the patient's risk of thrombosis had passed. In this retrospective analysis of IVC filter management, we reviewed indications for placement according to current guidelines as set by the ACCP, initiation of appropriate anticoagulation, complication rates, and retrieval rates. In addition, we compared the data prior to the FDA recommendations in late 2014 and data after the recommendations to determine if there was a change in practice. After reviewing 179 patients, 89 patients in 2014 and 90 patients in 2015, who underwent IVC filter placement, only 81% (N=145) of patients had appropriate indications for IVC filter placement and 30% (N=54) of patients had inappropriate anticoagulation after IVC filter placement, given as prophylactic dosing of low molecular weight heparin. A comparison of retrieval rates prior to and after the FDA warning, showed a 19% (60% in 2014 vs 79% in 2015) improvement in IVC filter removals. There was an 11% complication rate, mainly related to IVC filter related acute DVT or IVC occlusion. A root cause analysis specifically for inappropriate IVC filter placement and appropriate anticoagulation and determined that familiarity of the guidelines and non-evidence based recommendations from consultants were major factors. Based on the analysis, we next plan to utilize the electronic health record system to help clinicians understand indications and when to initiate appropriate anticoagulation, with the opportunity for hematology consultants to be involved in situations that do not clearly fit within published guidelines. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


VASA ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 449-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Li ◽  
Ihab Haddadin ◽  
Gordon McLennan ◽  
Behzad Farivar ◽  
Daniel Staub ◽  
...  

Summary: Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter has been used to manage patients with pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis. Its ease of use and the expansion of relative indications have led to a dramatic increase in IVC filter placement. However, IVC filters have been associated with a platitude of complications. Therefore, there exists a need to examine the current indications and identify the patient population at risk. In this paper, we comprehensively reviewed the current indications and techniques of IVC filter placement. Further, we examined the various complications associated with either permanent or retrievable IVC filters. Lastly, we examined the current data on filter retrieval.


Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 4690-4690
Author(s):  
Filip Ionescu ◽  
Nwabundo Anusim ◽  
Eva Ma ◽  
Lihua Qu ◽  
Leann Blankenship ◽  
...  

Background: Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are indicated in patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) who either have contraindications to or have failed anticoagulation (AC). Given rising concerns about their safety and efficacy, the FDA has issued a communication urging clinicians to remove filters (optimally, within 90 days post-implantation). According to national data retrieval rates remain low. Our study aimed to assess IVC filter retrieval rates and factors that influence retrieval. Methods: This is a single center, retrospective cohort study of patients who had IVC filter placement between December 2015 and December 2018. Subjects were identified using procedural codes for IVC filter insertion; data regarding demographics, comorbidities, retrieval, IVC filter-related complications and subsequent thromboembolic events were obtained by direct chart review. Survival analyses and a Cox regression model were performed using JMP statistical software. Results: Over 3 years, 494 patients with IVC filters were identified; 305 (62%) were retrievable. The average age at placement was 69±16 years; 249 (50%) were men and 332 (67%) were Caucasian. After excluding patients who died or were lost to follow-up within 30 days of placement or were discharged to hospice from the index admission, 258 patients with retrievable filters remained (54 retrieved). Indications for IVC filter placement were PE ± DVT 90 (35%), proximal DVT 159 (62%) and prophylactic 9 (3%). Forty two percent of patients (109) were restarted on AC at discharge, while an additional 18% (total 155) received AC at some point thereafter. The rate of retrieval was 8% at 90 days, 23% at 1 year and 28% at 2 years (Figure A). The proportional hazards model identified resumption of AC at any time (HR 3.11, 95%CI 1.6-6.8, p=0.0006) as the strongest predictor of retrieval; AC at discharge was not predictive. Advanced age at placement (HR 0.97 per unit change, 0.96-0.99, p=0.004) and active malignancy (HR 0.5, 95%CI 0.24-0.98, p=0.04) were associated with a lower likelihood of retrieval. The initial thrombotic event, the reversibility of the contraindication to AC, the placing service, sex, ethnicity and other comorbid conditions did not have an impact on retrieval. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that subjects who ever resumed AC had significantly higher rates of retrieval at 90 days (11% vs 3.4%) and at 1 year (33% vs 9.7%, log-rank p=0.0003, Figure B) when compared to those who did not. Only four patients experienced IVC filter-related complications (2 filter thrombosis, 1 IVC penetration, 1 device tilting); all occurred 2 or more years after placement. Recurrent thromboembolic events occurred in 50 patients (5 PE, 48 proximal DVT) with no significant difference in frequency between subjects with retrieved and non-retrieved filters; one PE and one DVT occurred at 1 month and 1 week respectively after retrieval. Conclusion: Despite efforts to increase awareness of IVC filter-associated complications, the unweighted retrieval rate remained below the nationally reported average of 30%. Persistent risk factors for thrombosis such as active malignancy or increasing age and poor prognosis may play a role in the decision to defer retrieval. In our study, resumption of AC proved a powerful predictor of retrieval, with rates approaching expected values in this population. Active surveillance for resolution of contraindications to AC post-IVC filter placement is crucial in increasing retrieval rates. Figure Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


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