Long-term follow-up of patients with inferior vena cava filters in the prevention of pulmonary embolism

Objective: To evaluate the long-term safety, efficacy and complications of placement vena cava filter in prevention of pulmonary embolism. Methods: Seventy-three patients with proven diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and (or) pulmonary embolism (PE) by Doppler ultrasonography, DSA, CT or MRI, received percutaneous inferior vena cava filters (IVCF) from January 1994 to June 2005. The clinical data and imaging findings were evaluated retrospectively. The patients underwent telephone interview or questionnaire, abdominal X-rays, Doppler ultrasonography, computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) or indirect CT venography (CTV) after a follow-up duration of 5 months to 11 years. Results: Seventy-eight vena cava filters were used. There was 1 case of incomplete filter opening when placing filter. In follow-up, thrombi were trapped in the filter in 2 cases, filter tilting happened in 1 case, and there were no filter migration, filter disruption, filter perforation. Five of 73 cases were lost in follow-up visit, 14 patients died after implantation (5 days to 41 months, average 14.5 months). Among the 54 living patients, the identified recurrent PE was not noted. Three cases of recurrent DVT, 1 case of inferior vena caval thrombosis and 1 case of thrombosed filters were seen in follow-up. Conclusion: Inferior vena cava filter is safe and effective for the long-term prevention pulmonary embolism, and the long-term major complications after filter placement are not frequent. (authors)