Audit of the use of IVC filters in the UK: experience from three centres over 12 years.
OBJECTIVE
To audit the use of inferior vena cava (IVC) filter insertions at three UK centres over 12 years to assess whether trends in filter use in the UK mirrored those seen elsewhere.


METHODS
Radiology department databases were interrogated for IVC filter insertions and removals between 1994 and 2006. Reports for these interventions, along with prior and subsequent imaging reports, were analysed. Follow-up data were obtained when available.


RESULTS
Five hundred and sixteen filters were placed with a significant year-on-year trend towards increasing use. Fifty-seven percent of filters placed were for absolute indications and 37% for relative indications. The filters were used for prophylaxis in 6% of patients in the absence of proven pulmonary embolism (PE) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A retrievable filter was used in 74% of cases with retrieval attempted in 40% of these and no evidence of an increasing rate of retrieval over time. A significant complication related to insertion or retrieval was encountered in 0.4 and 1% of procedures, respectively. Mean 24 h and 30 day mortalities were 1 and 8%, respectively. There was an absence of organized follow-up at all three centres.


CONCLUSIONS
IVC filter use in the UK is increasing. The use of retrievable filters has not resulted in increased filter retrieval. Filter insertion and retrieval is associated with a low risk of significant complication, but lack of systematic follow-up limits conclusions regarding safety and efficacy.
Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, UK. chris.hammond@doctors.org.uk
C J
CJ
Hammond
D R
DR
Bakshi
R J
RJ
Currie
J V
JV
Patel
D
D
Kinsella
R G
RG
McWilliams
A
A
Watkinson
A A
AA
Nicholson
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003657:Decision Making; D020878:Device Removal / Q000401:mortality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D008875:Middle Aged; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000401:mortality / Q000639:trends; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000517:prevention & control; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom; D016306:Vena Cava Filters / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000517:prevention & control; D055815:Young Adult