Use of inferior vena cava filters in a tertiary referral centre in Australia.
BACKGROUND
To investigate the use of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters in a tertiary referral centre, looking at indication, types of filters and, with temporary/optional filters, removal rates.


METHODS
Data was collected from a prospective database of all IVC filters inserted from January 2003 to January 2007. Patients' records and radiological imaging were all reviewed.


RESULTS
66 patients (40 males) had IVC filters inserted during the study period. The median age of the male patients was 57.5 (21-79) years, and females 56 (24-81). There were 49 (74.2%) temporary/optional filters and 17 (25.8%) permanent filters. The most common indication for filter was a contraindication to anticoagulation for both permanent (64.7%) and temporary/optional filters (77.6%). In the temporary/optional filter group, 38 of 49 (77.6%) patients had documented venous thromboembolism, while in the permanent filter group, this was 14 of 17 (82.4%). Of the optional filters, 22 of 49 (45.8%) have been removed.


CONCLUSIONS
More than half (54.2%) of temporary/optional filters were not removed and with potential for long-term complications. A protocol has now being instituted for vascular surgeons to authorize the insertion of filters and to then be responsible for ensuring their removal.
Tiwari
Alok
A
Department of Vascular Surgery, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.
Saw
Chong
C
Li
Michelle
M
Mohan
Irwin
I
Daly
Tom
T
Swinnen
John
J
Richardson
Arthur
A
So
Simon
S
Young
Noel
N
Vicaretti
Mauro
M
Fletcher
John
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001315:Australia; D015331:Cohort Studies; D020878:Device Removal; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016306:Vena Cava Filters / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D054556:Venous Thromboembolism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D055815:Young Adult