Efficacy and tolerance of 2 new percutaneous vena cava filters. A prospective study in 80 patients]

Eighty consecutive patients with an average age of 66.5 +/- 16 years were reviewed 3 and 9 months after implantation of two new percutaneous vena caval filters (Filcard, Cardial) in order to evaluate their efficacy and tolerance. The indications were: a contra-indication to anticoagulants in 19 cases, recurrent pulmonary embolism under anticoagulant therapy in 22 patients, chronic cor pulmonale in 4 patients; finally, in 35 cases, the filter was implanted prophylactically for a "floating" or extensive ilio-caval thrombosis under anticoagulant therapy or in high risk patients: severe cardio-pulmonary failure, malignant disease, massive pulmonary embolism with a contra-indication to fibrinolytic therapy. All implantations were performed by the jugular approach with no local or general complications apart from one pericaval haematoma with a favourable outcome. Cavography and opacification of the renal veins was carried out systematically during implantation. All patients underwent clinical examination, antero-posterior and lateral X rays of the filter, pulmonary scintigraphy, antero-posterior and lateral cavography, a CT scan of the filter, Doppler ultrasonography and rheoplethysmography of the legs 3 months after implantation. At 9 months, clinical examination, abdominal X rays and rheoplethysmography were repeated. There was 100% follow-up at 3 and 9 months. The complications observed at 3 and 9 months were: 5 cases of malposition (6%), 3 recurrent pulmonary emboli (4%), 9 recurrent venous thromboses (13%), 4 vena caval thromboses (5.7%), 7 thrombi caught in the filter (10%), 27 perforations of the vena cava (38%), 3 over 30 degrees tilts of the filter (4%) and 22 migrations (31%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Partial interruption of the inferior vena cava using a percutaneous endovenous filter

Partial interruption of the inferior vena cava (IVCI) by a percutaneous endovenous filter (Günther filter n = 65, LEM filter n = 36) was undertaken in 100 patients with an average of 72 +/- 11 years for recent deep vein thrombosis. The indications were: contraindications to anticoagulant therapy (36.5%); recurrent pulmonary embolism (12%); threatening venous thrombosis with a previous embolic episode (12%); caval thrombosis (15.7%); prophylactic, with no previous pulmonary embolism (23.8%). The filters were evaluated at short and mid term. There were no technical problems. The mortality rate was 17.5%, one death being probably due to recurrent pulmonary embolism. No other recurrences of pulmonary embolism were observed, indicating an efficacy of 99 per cent. The early patency rate was 96.5%, there being no difference between the two filters used, independent of the initial site of venous thrombosis, of distal migration of the filter and associated medical treatment (anticoagulation). Distal migration was observed in 76% of IVCI by the Günther filter and 48.5% by the LEM filter (p less than 0.001); tilting was observed in 7.4% of Günther and 3% of LEM filters. Five LEM filters were incompletely opened. The IVC was transfixed by 3 Günther filters. One Günther filter had fractured spokes. There were 12 recurrences of lower limb deep vein thrombosis and 16 post-deep vein thrombosis complications were recorded. These percutaneous endovenous filters are similar to the Kimray Greenfield filter with respect to efficacy and permeability although the follow-up was relatively short. The advantages of these percutaneous filters are the facility, innocuity and rapidity of their insertion with, however, a higher incidence of distal migration.     

Present-day role of vena cava filters

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present is to assess the effectiveness of pulmonary embolism prevention using temporary or permanent vena cava filters in deep venous thromboses of the lower extremities with a discussion of indications and complications. METHODS: In the period between 1989 and 1998 we observed 46 patients (33 m, 13 f) suffering from deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities. RESULTS: The cases treated with cava filter showed an improvement in clinical conditions in 15-19 cases with 4/19 cases of complications: filter ascent, lipothymia, one case of pneumothorax and one case of filter ascent with thrombosis of the contralateral venous axis. All complications were solved without further sequelae. After catheterisation of the femoral vein, the thrombosis of the contralateral venous axis in patients with caval filter was a frequently observed event (in 75% of cases). In the cases without filter, an evident improvement was observed in 22/27 cases, a slight improvement in 2/27 cases, with 3/27 cases of complications: two cases of cardiocirculatory arrest and one case of severe dyspnea with suspected pulmonary embolism which survived the event. CONCLUSIONS: From our experience, the use of caval filters is unquestionably useful for the prevention of pulmonary embolism, but is not wholly free from complications.     

Pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis complicating acute aortic dissection during medical treatment

Acute aortic dissection of Stanford type A with intramural hematoma was diagnosed based on computed tomography (CT) findings in a 60-year-old man. During medical treatment, pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis developed. CT revealed thrombosis in the right pulmonary artery, and 99mTc pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy showed defects in the right lung field. CT showed thrombus in the common iliac vein. An inferior vena caval filter was placed because anticoagulation therapy was contraindicated. A CT scan before discharge showed no thrombus in the pulmonary artery or common iliac vein, but a newly captured thrombus was found inside the filter.     

Vena cava filter for prevention of pulmonary embolism

Vena caval filters in the prevention of pulmonary embolism All currently available caval filters can be implanted percutaneously in local anaesthesia. In the USA the FDA has approved the stainless steel Greenfield filter, the Titanium Greenfield filter, the Bird's Nest filter, the LGM or VenaTech filter and the Simon Nitinol filter. Some other caval filters are commercially available in Europe, but there exist only few clinical trials about them. The Greenfield filter is implanted since the early seventies and the greatest amount of data has been published about it. Standard indications for filter placement are recurrent pulmonary embolism despite adequate anticoagulation, in patients after pulmonary embolectomy, when there is a contraindication to anticoagulation (e.g. fresh surgical wound, active gastrointestinal bleeding, recent haemorrhagic stroke, major trauma,...) and when serious complications occur after thrombolysis or anticoagulation. In patients who suffer from severe cardiopulmonary disease both a caval filter and anticoagulation may be required. Follow-up investigations include plain abdominal radiography and duplex ultrasound, in special cases computed tomography, cavography, magnetic resonance imaging in newer filter types, and intravascular ultrasound. Complications include recurrent pulmonary embolism, caval obstruction, migration, fracture and perforation of filter struts. As clinically relevant complications are rare, in diligently selected cases the patient will benefit from implantation of a caval filter.     

Clinical experience with retrievable vena cava filters for prevention of pulmonary thromboembolism

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness and complications of the retrievable vena cava filter [Güther tulip vena cava filter(GTF)] for the prevention of pulmonary thromboembolism in patients with deep vein thrombosis. METHODS: Seventeen patients, 3 males and 14 females, aged 21 to 82 years (mean age 59 +/- 19 years), underwent implantation of GTFs between December 2000 and February 2002 at Mie University Hospital. All patients were treated under diagnoses of deep vein thrombosis with or without pulmonary thromboembolism based on venous ultrasonography, venography or computed tomography. Eleven patients were treated with thrombolysis. RESULTS: Significant thromboembolus was trapped within the filter in 3 of 12 patients. No acute pulmonary thromboembolism occurred during implantation or at retrieval of the GTF. Retrieval of the GTF was attempted in 9 patients, and 8 GTFs were retrieved successfully. Mean interval of the filter implantation was 13.4 +/- 6.3 days and the mean retrieval time was 4.8 +/- 3.2 min. No complications occurred except for one case of minor hemorrhage at the puncture site. CONCLUSIONS: The placement and retrieval of the retrievable vena cava filter was feasible and safe. This filter was also effective for the prevention of pulmonary thromboembolism. This retrievable vena cava filter may be a good first-choice filter for both permanent and temporary use.     

Interruption of the inferior vena cava for prevention of pulmonary embolism: transvenous filter devices

The availability of a safe, effective, and easily introducible percutaneous vena cava filter is crucial in the management of certain patients with pulmonary embolism. If thrombolytic or anticoagulant therapy for pulmonary embolism is contraindicated or fails, interruption of the inferior vena cava (IVC) blood flow is the logical alternative. Indications for filter insertion include a contraindication to anticoagulation, or recurrent pulmonary embolism despite adequate anticoagulation therapy. Common routes of filter insertion are from the right internal jugular vein, or the right or left femoral veins. The Mobin-Uddin umbrella filter (no longer available in the USA) and the Kimray-Greenfield filters have been the most widely used. Complications of vena cava filters include malpositioning, migration, venous thrombosis proximal or distal to the filter, hemorrhage at the percutaneous site of insertion, or sepsis. Despite these problems, IVC filters have been extremely useful in the management of pulmonary embolism among certain subsets of patients. Percutaneously inserted filters have now superseded surgical vena caval interruption in most US centers. Newer filters are currently under development in the US and Europe, and feature improved filtering function, anti-tilt abilities, retrievability, memory wire properties, and improved ease of insertion.     

Percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale guided by intracardiac echocardiography and performed through the transfemoral approach in the presence of previously placed inferior vena cava filters: a case series.

We present three patients with cryptogenic stroke who underwent transcatheter closure of a patent foramen ovale. All patients have had history of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism with placement of inferior vena caval filters. The patients were not initially considered suitable candidates for the procedure because of risk of dislodgment of previously implanted inferior vena cava filter.     

置入下腔静脉滤器联合溶栓治疗下肢深静脉血栓形成临床观察

目的:观察置入下腔静脉滤器联合介入性溶栓治疗在下肢深静脉血栓形成中的疗效。方法: 2007年10月~2011年10月我科收治84例下肢深静脉血栓形成患者,其中51例采用下腔静脉滤器联合介入性溶栓,同时常规抗凝治疗为观察组;33例常规抗凝、溶栓治疗为对照组,观察临床变化并进行3～46个月随访。结果: 观察组在出院时治疗有效率显著高于对照组(98% vs. 58%,P<0．01),随访3个月治疗有效率也高于对照组(98% vs. 79%,P<0.01);观察组出血并发症较对照组显著减少（4% vs. 27%,P<0.05）,静脉血栓综合征的发生率低于对照组（2% vs. 15%,P<0.05）;观察组在肺动脉栓塞发生率上有显著降低（观察组0%,对照组12%,P<0.01）。结论: 置入下腔静脉滤器联合介入性溶栓治疗下肢深静脉血栓效果优于传统溶栓治疗,能有效预防或减少肺栓塞的发生,但应严格掌握下腔静脉滤器的置入指征。     

Prevention of venous thromboembolism

The aim of prophylaxis in venous thromboembolism is firstly to prevent fatal pulmonary embolism and secondly to reduce the morbidity associated with deep vein thrombosis and the post-phlebitic limb. Particularly high-risk groups are identifiable and include those over 60 years of age undergoing major surgery, patients with malignancy and those undergoing hip operations. Low-dose subcutaneous heparin (5000 U s.c. commenced two hours preoperatively and continued eight to twelve hourly until the patient is fully mobile) is unequivocally effective in preventing deep vein thrombosis in medical and surgical patients and, most importantly, significantly reduces the incidence of fatal postoperative pulmonary embolism and total mortality. Furthermore, in established deep vein thrombosis, low-dose heparin limits proximal clot propagation, which is the prelude to pulmonary embolism. Despite this, surveys have demonstrated an alarming deficiency amongst clinicians in the application of measures to prevent venous thromboembolism. Heparin prophylaxis carries a small risk of increased bleeding complications, mostly evidenced by the frequency of wound haematoma rather than major haemorrhage. Low molecular heparin fragments (e.g. Fragmin, Choay, Enoxaprin) are now emerging as useful alternative agents, having the advantage of once daily administration and yet providing similar efficacy in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis. However, protection against fatal pulmonary embolism has yet to be demonstrated. Mechanical methods of prophylaxis designed to counteract venous stasis, such as graduated elastic compression stockings, are also beneficial in protection against deep vein thrombosis but by themselves do not achieve such consistently good prophylaxis as low-dose heparin. However, clinical trials with combinations of mechanical methods and low-dose heparin indicate that this may be the optimum approach to very high-risk patients. In the presence of established acute deep vein thrombosis, anticoagulant therapy is the mainstay in preventing pulmonary embolism. Vena caval interruption procedures should be reserved for patients in whom anticoagulation is contraindicated or for those who develop recurrent pulmonary embolism despite adequate anticoagulation.     

Experience with the helix cava filter

A new caval filter of helico-spiral geometry (Helix-Filter) was implanted in 13 patients for the prevention of pulmonary embolism (PE). The indications for implantation were: recurrent PE despite adequate anticoagulation (5 cases) or contraindication to anticoagulation (3 cases), incomplete local therapeutic fibrinolysis after severe paracentral PE (2 cases), and prophylaxis in high risk patients (3 cases). Implantation was effected by the saphenous/femoral vein approach in 12 patients, and via the right atrial appendage during open heart surgery in one instance. There were no intraoperative technical problems and in no case was the filter misplaced. During the follow-up period (mean 14.8 months, maximum 28 months) no filter-related complications were encountered. One patient with an exceptionally enlarged vena cava, due to abnormal renal vein inflow, had a fatal recurrent PE despite high dosage heparinization. One patient with an event-free follow-up died 12 months after filter placement from unrelated diseases. The remaining 11 patients are free of symptoms with no recurrent PE, no deterioration of venous circulation or presence of caval thrombosis. Emboli trapped at the filter were documented in 2 patients; spontaneous resolution occurred in one case. Experimental and early clinical results indicate that the hemodynamically optimal design of the Helix-Filter permits controlled and uniform luminal filtering with high patency. As such, it represents an alternative and highly promising solution to the problem of "mechanical" prevention of pulmonary embolism in selected patients.     

Initial clinical experience with an endoluminal spiral prosthesis for treating complicated venous thrombosis and preventing pulmonary embolism

Fourteen patients with complicated venous thrombosis or recurrent pulmonary embolism were treated by implantation of an endoluminal spiral prosthesis subsequent to balloon angioplasty, surgical thrombectomy or embolectomy, a combination of these, or, in 2 cases, no other treatment. The patients were divided into 2 groups, based on their primary diagnosis and the purpose of the prosthesis. Group I included 8 patients with extensive iliofemoral or caval thrombosis, caused by congenital caval stenosis (1 case) or extravascular compression or retraction (7 cases); 7 of these patients had had previous operations, and the remaining patient had undergone thrombolysis, which failed. The current treatment consisted of balloon angioplasty and surgical thrombectomy or embolectomy, and implantation of an endoluminal spiral stent to prevent elastic recoil of the vessel. In 4 cases, an arteriovenous fistula was constructed and was taken down 3 months later; in 1 additional patient, a bilateral arteriovenous fistula was created. Group II comprised 6 patients with recurrent pulmonary embolism (4 cases), massive pulmonary embolism (1 case), or paradoxical bilateral carotid artery embolism (1 case). Four of these patients underwent surgical thrombectomy or embolectomy, while 2 had no treatment other than filter implantation. All 6 underwent transluminal implantation of a helix caval filter (a modification of the endoluminal spiral stent). All but 1 implantation was accomplished by means of either a transfemoral or a transjugular cutdown; the remaining implantation was performed transatrially after a pulmonary embolectomy. The only device-related complication was a retroperitoneal hematoma in Group I, resulting from perforation of the inferior vena cava by the guidewire during device implantation. This complication necessitated an emergency laparotomy and takedown of the arteriovenous fistula, which resulted in rethrombosis of the left iliofemoral vein. The other 7 stented veins were patent at early phlebographic follow-up, as were all 5 of those studied later. One Group-I patient died 4 months after surgery, due to tumor progression and without signs of caval restenosis. Twelve months postoperatively, 1 Group-II patient died of urosepsis without a recurrence of pulmonary embolism. Four of the 6 Group-II patients were studied late postoperatively, and all of their stented vessels were patent. There was no operative mortality or postoperative embolism. On the basis of these results, we conclude that endoluminal stenting with an expandable spiral prosthesis is a promising method for remote venous reconstruction. Moreover, it appears that the modified stent, or helix caval filter, compares favorably with commercially available filters.     

Caval filter placement for pulmonary embolism in a patient with a deep vein thrombosis and primary intracerebral haemorrhage

Treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolic disease when full anticoagulation is absolutely or relatively contraindicated is difficult. We report on a case where the chosen treatment proved unsuccessful. Our patient had a primary intracerebral haemorrhage, complicated by a proximal deep vein thrombosis and despite placement of a vena caval filter, had multiple pulmonary emboli and died.     

Temporary vena cava filters do not always protect from fatal pulmonary embolism

We describe the case of a young woman who developed fatal pulmonary embolism during thrombolytic therapy of a deep pelvic and leg vein thrombosis, despite the insertion of a temporary vena cava filter. So the opinion that the insertion of inferior vena cava filters always prevents lethal pulmonary embolism caused by thrombi of the deep vein system must be revised.     

Inferior vena cava filters for recurrent thrombosis: current evidence

Inferior vena cava filters are often used as alternatives to anticoagulant therapy for the prevention of pulmonary embolism. Many of the clinical data that support the use of these devices stem from relatively limited retrospective studies. The dual purpose of this review is to examine the incidence of thrombotic complications associated with inferior vena cava filters and to discuss the role of anticoagulant therapy concurrent with filter placement. Device-associated morbidity and overall efficacy can be considered only in the context of rates of vena cava thrombosis, insertion-site thrombosis, recurrent deep venous thrombosis, and recurrent pulmonary embolism.     

Comparison of fibrinolytic treatment with interruption of the inferior caval vein in the prevention of pulmonary embolism

The procedure of interruption of the inferior caval vein is designed to prevent pulmonary embolism, but its effectiveness has yet to be compared with thrombolytic therapy. Sixty patients hospitalized for pulmonary embolism and proximal deep vein thrombosis were divided into two groups of 31 and 29 patients, respectively. The patients were selected because of persistent venous thrombosis in the inferior caval, iliac or femoral veins. The patients in the first group (mean age 53.2 years) were treated by interruption of the inferior caval vein. The second group of patients (mean age 57) received only fibrinolytic treatment. From those patients having caval venous interruption due to peri-operative myocardial infarction 1 died and 3 others presented pulmonary embolism (massive in two cases). No patients treated by fibrinolysis suffered from pulmonary embolism. Five patients died of cancer, 2 having had caval interruption, as opposed to only 2 having fibrinolysis. Eight patients undergoing surgery had a severe functional handicap. This study demonstrated a high recurrence of pulmonary embolism in patients with persistent venous thrombosis who were treated by interruption of the inferior caval vein. These patients also had a high morbidity. Fibrinolytic treatment (even in the presence of persistent venous thrombosis) appeared to be more effective in avoiding recurrence of pulmonary embolism.     

山东地区剖宫产术后肺栓塞的危险因素分析

目的探讨山东地区剖宫产术后肺栓塞的危险因素。方法选取在我院行剖宫产术的560患者资料进行分析,对其肺栓塞进行危险因素分析。结果高龄产妇(>35岁)、有多种合并症(≥2种)、手术时间长(>1.5 h)、卧床制动、孕周长(>40周)、激动、输血过度,下肢深静脉血栓形成、未使用活血抗凝药物肥胖是剖宫产术后肺栓塞的危险因素(P<0.05),而与产次数、血型、麻醉方式、焦虑、紧张、恐惧、下地时间无关(P>0.05);其中,下肢深静脉血栓形成、卧床制动、输血情况、使用活血抗凝药物是肺栓塞的高危险因素。结论剖宫产术后肺栓塞的危险因素有下肢深静脉血栓形成、卧床制动。     

综合与保守治疗深静脉血栓形成的疗效对比

目的评价下腔静脉滤器置入后综合治疗与保守治疗在深静脉血栓形成患者治疗中的疗效和安全性。方法 2004年1月至2010年8月确诊深静脉血栓形成的79例患者中,47例经同意后行下腔静脉滤器置入并静脉溶栓合并抗凝治疗,进入实验组;32例作为对照组给予抗凝治疗。收集所有患者的临床资料,对比治疗结果。结果实验组猝死率及肺栓塞率低于对照组,差异有统计学意义[0 vs.6.25%（2/32）,P〈0.05;0 vs.15.62%（5/32）,P〈0.05]。实验组患肢治疗总有效率高于对照组,差异有统计学意义[100%（47/47）vs.81.25%（26/32）,P〈0.05]。结论下腔静脉滤器置入后经患肢足背静脉给予尿激酶溶栓并抗凝综合治疗是安全有效的,并能预防肺动脉栓塞的发生。     

Retrievable vena cava filters: clinical experience

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize currently available literature regarding indications for inferior vena cava filters, potential problems associated with the different filters available, and the efficacy and safety of retrievable inferior vena cava filters. RECENT FINDINGS: The placement of permanent filters may present a number of long-term complications such as filter occlusion and an increased risk of recurrent deep vein thrombosis. Furthermore, patients who require inferior vena cava interruption often have short-term contraindications to anticoagulant therapy, and thus only require filters for temporary indications. Four different retrievable filters have recently received approval for temporary insertion, and preliminary data suggest that the use of these filters is associated with a low rate of pulmonary embolism and complications related to filter insertion. Retrieval was uneventful in almost all patients. No randomized clinical trials have yet been performed, and available information is based on the results of either retrospective or prospective cohort studies. SUMMARY: Retrievable filters are a very attractive alternative to either permanent or temporary filters when inferior vena cava interruption becomes necessary, thanks to the advantages of very easy management and the possibility of their being left in place for a long time and removed when they become unnecessary.     

下腔静脉滤器置入术预防肺动脉栓塞61例临床分析

目的探讨经皮穿刺下腔静脉滤器置入术在治疗下肢深静脉血栓中预防肺动脉栓塞的作用。方法2003年3月至2005年2月,经股静脉或颈静脉穿刺放置永久性下腔静脉滤器61例,男性34例,女性27例,年龄34～90岁,平均66.7岁。深静脉血栓位于右下肢24例,左下肢34例,双下肢3例。常规行下腔静脉造影,了解并确定下腔静脉和释放途径无血栓形成,将滤器放置到肾静脉开口下的腔静脉。结果本组病例均释放成功,其中3例双下肢深静脉血栓的患者经颈静脉释放,其余均经股静脉释放;2例在超声定位下释放,其余均在静脉造影下完成。术后随访1～18个月,均无肺栓塞发生。结论经皮穿刺下腔静脉滤器置入术操作简便,可以有效预防下肢深静脉患者肺动脉栓塞的发生。