Long-term results of vena cava filters: experiences with the LGM and the Titanium Greenfield devices.
OBJECTIVE
Vena cava filter (VCF) application is the method of choice to prevent recurrent pulmonary embolism in patients with deep venous thrombosis. Because of the reported complications after VCF placement we summarize our long-term follow-up results with the LGM and Titanium Greenfield (TG) devices.


METHODS
Eighty-seven LGM VCF and 17 TG VCF were placed in 104 patients (average age 64 years). The follow-up examinations were performed by color-coded duplex sonography, plain radiographs, cavography, and computed tomography (CT). The maximum observation time was 81 months.


RESULTS
Filter migration occurred in 11% (8/76) of the LGM VCF and 15% (2/13) of the TG VCF. Vena cava thrombosis was seen in 17% (13/76) of the patients with an LGM VCF and in 31% (4/13) of those with a TG VCF. The patency rate was 95% (72/76) for the LGM VCF and 92% (12/13) for the TG VCF. Pulmonary embolism was noted in 3 patients after LGM VCF insertion and in no patient after TG VCF insertion.


CONCLUSIONS
A VCF should only be inserted in a patient after pulmonary embolism and when there is strict proof of the indication.
Wittenberg
G
G
Institut für Roentgendiagnostik, Würzburg, Germany.
Kueppers
V
V
Tschammler
A
A
Scheppach
W
W
Kenn
W
W
Hahn
D
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012008:Recurrence; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000150:complications; D014025:Titanium; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional; D016306:Vena Cava Filters / Q000009:adverse effects
D014025:Titanium