Results of long-term venacavography study after placement of a Greenfield vena caval filter

Digital subtraction venacavography (DSV) as a follow-up examination was performed in 46 patients after placement of a standard stainless steel Greenfield vena caval filter (SGF). DSV is an exact method of visualizing the lumen of the inferior vena cava as well as intraluminal or captured thrombi. Ec...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of cardiovascular surgery Vol. 33; no. 5; p. 573
Main Authors Lang, W, Schweiger, H, Hofmann-Preiss, K
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Italy 01.09.1992
Subjects
Adult
Aged
Equipment Design
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Phlebography - methods
Phlebography - standards
Pulmonary Embolism - diagnostic imaging
Pulmonary Embolism - prevention & control
Pulmonary Embolism - surgery
Recurrence
Subtraction Technique - methods
Subtraction Technique - standards
Vascular Patency
Vena Cava Filters - standards
Vena Cava, Inferior - diagnostic imaging
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Summary:Digital subtraction venacavography (DSV) as a follow-up examination was performed in 46 patients after placement of a standard stainless steel Greenfield vena caval filter (SGF). DSV is an exact method of visualizing the lumen of the inferior vena cava as well as intraluminal or captured thrombi. Eccentric filters with an angulation of more than 15 degrees were found in 8 patients causing a higher risk of pulmonary embolism from smaller emboli and propagating thrombi. Penetration of the caval wall by filter struts was however frequent (41%), without any damage to adjacent structures as demonstrated by CT scans. The long-term caval patency rate was 90%, with 4 cases of caval thrombosis. Two patients with an occluded inferior vena cava showed no venostasis. Although changes of the filter position usually remain asymptomatic, regular follow-up examinations seem necessary to recognize any impairment of the filter's clot trapping efficiency. Filters should only be used in patients with a risk of recurrent pulmonary embolism despite anticoagulation and patients with contraindications to anticoagulation therapy.
ISSN:0021-9509