Prophylactic placement of an inferior vena cava filter in high-risk patients undergoing spinal reconstruction.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of prophylactic inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement in high-risk patients who undergo major spine reconstruction.


METHODS
In the pilot study, 22 patients undergoing major spine reconstruction received prophylactic IVC filters. These patients were prospectively followed to evaluate complications related to the filter, the rate of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) formation, and the rate of pulmonary embolism (PE). These data were compared with those obtained in a retrospective review for PE in a matched cohort treated at the same institution. At a second institution the treatment guidelines were implemented in 17 patients undergoing complex spine surgery with the same follow-up criteria. In the pilot study, no patient experienced PE (0%), whereas two had DVT (9%). Bilateral DVT developed postoperatively in one patient (associated morbidity rate 4.5%), who required thrombolytic therapy. One patient died of unrelated surgical complications. The PE rate in the matched cohort at the same institution was 12%. At the second institution, no patient had PE, and no complications were noted.


CONCLUSIONS
In this patient population, prophylactic IVC filter placement appears to decrease the PE rate substantially, from 12 to 0%. The placement of IVC filters appears to be a safe and efficacious intervention for prevention of PE in high-risk patients.
Rosner
Michael K
MK
Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA. michael.rosner@na.amedd.army.mil
Kuklo
Timothy R
TR
Tawk
Rabih
R
Moquin
Ross
R
Ondra
Stephen L
SL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D016306:Vena Cava Filters; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior / Q000601:surgery