title: A method for following patients with retrievable inferior vena cava filters: results and lessons learned from the first 1,100 patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Patients who have undergone implantation of a retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filter require continued follow-up to have the device removed when clinically appropriate and in a timely fashion to avoid potential long-term filter-related complications. The efficacy of a method for patient follow-up was evaluated based on a retrospective review of a single-institutional retrievable IVC filter experience.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients with retrievable IVC filters were tracked via a prospectively collected database designed specifically for patient follow-up. Follow-up consisted of periodic review of the electronic medical record. Patients were contacted by mail (at regular intervals one or more times) when removal of the filter was deemed appropriate. A retrospective review of the ultimate fate of the first 1,127 retrievable IVC filters placed at a single institution was performed. Retrieval rates were compared with those seen in the initial experience, during which no structured follow-up was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 1,127 filters placed, 658 (58.4%) were removed. Filter removal or declaration of the device as permanent was achieved in 860 patients (76.3%). Filter removal, declaration of the device as permanent, or establishment of the need for continued follow-up was achieved in 941 patients (83.5%). Only 186 patients (16.5%) were lost to follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The follow-up method described in the present study resulted in a statistically significant difference (P < .001) in the likelihood of a patient returning for IVC filter removal compared with a lack of follow-up (59% vs 24%).
authors: Departments of Radiology, Surgery and Medicine, The Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA. flynch@hmc.psu.edu
authors: Frank C
authors: FC
authors: Lynch
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D015709:Correspondence as Topic; D020878:Device Removal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D059012:Lost to Follow-Up; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010414:Pennsylvania; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012042:Registries; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016306:Vena Cava Filters / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data