title: Vena Tech-LGM filter: long-term results of a prospective study.
abstract: Efficiency and tolerance of the Vena Tech-LGM filter were assessed in 142 patients prospectively studied during a 2-6-year follow-up period. No patients were lost to follow-up, and 137 (91.3%) scheduled control examinations were performed. Fifty-three patients died of causes unrelated to thromboembolic disease. Pulmonary embolism was suspected in five surviving patients (3.5%). Sixteen retractions (18.4%), 16 intracaval migrations (18.4%), and one tilt were observed. Filter patency studied at Doppler ultrasonography, with or without phlebocavography, gave the following results according to the Kaplan-Meier actuarial method: 92% patency after 2 years of follow-up, 80% after 4 years, and 70% after 6 years. Vena Tech-LGM filter obstruction was related to retraction (P < 10(-6)) or distal migration (P < .004). Occurrence of trophic disease in the lower limbs during the follow-up period was related to the initial level of deep venous thrombosis (P = .03) and had no relation to the patency of the filter. The filter was effective in preventing pulmonary embolism, with 70% demonstrating long-term patency, and no deleterious effects were imputed to obstructions observed during follow-up.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Radiology, Hôpital G. et R. Laënnec-CHR Nantes, France.
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Crochet
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Stora
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ferry
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Grossetête
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Leurent
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Brunel
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Nguyen
mesh_terms: D000206:Actuarial Analysis; D000368:Aged; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal; D014654:Vascular Patency; D016306:Vena Cava Filters / Q000009:adverse effects; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior / Q000503:physiopathology