[Suprarenal inferior vena cava filters. Retrospective review of 30 cases].
BACKGROUND
Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are used to prevent massive pulmonary embolism in cases where anticoagulation is contraindicated or has failed. It is usually implanted below the renal veins. In a few cases it is necessary to deploy the filter above them, with theoretical risk of secondary renal failure.


OBJECTIVE
To report the experience with filters located above the renal veins.


METHODS
Medical records of all patients with percutaneous suprarenal filters are reviewed.


RESULTS
Between May 1993 and May 2007, 361 percutaneous IVC filter procedures were performed. In thirty patients aged 19 to 77 years (average 48 years, 50% males), they were placed in suprarenal position (8,3%). Suprarenal IVC filters were implanted in patients with extensive caval thrombosis, renal vein thrombosis extending to cava, displacement of previous IVC filters and double IVC system. Jugular vein approach was the access of choice. Technical success was 100%, no death or pulmonary embolism occurred. Patients were followed from 1 to 165 months (average 57 months). Eight deaths were recorded, five in patients with cancer No patient had renal failure on follow up (average creatinine 0.90+0,26 mg/dL). Three patients developed a new deep vein thrombosis (10%), without pulmonary embolism.


CONCLUSIONS
In this retrospective analysis of patients, suprarenal placement of IVC filters was not associated to secondary renal failure, and showed good short and long term results.
Sección de Cirugía Vascular y Endovascular, División de Cirugía, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile. marinepolo@yahoo.com
Leopoldo
L
Mariné
Renato
R
Mertens
Albrecht
A
Krämer Sch
Francisco
F
Valdés
Michel
M
Bergoeing
Ivette
I
Arriagada
Jeanette
J
Vergara
Claudia
C
Carvajal
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016306:Vena Cava Filters; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D055815:Young Adult