title: Dedicated tracking of patients with retrievable inferior vena cava filters improves retrieval rates.
abstract: Retrievable IVC filters (R-IVCF) are associated with multiple complications, including filter migration and deep venous thrombosis. Unfortunately, most series of R-IVCF show low retrieval rates, often due to loss to follow-up. This study demonstrates that actively tracking R-IVCF improves  retrieval. Trauma patients at one institution with R-IVCF placed between January 2007 and January 2011 were tracked in a registry with a goal of retrieval. These were compared to a control group who had R-IVCF placed previously (December 2005 to December 2006). Outcome measures include filter  retrieval, retrieval attempts, loss to follow-up, and time to filter retrieval. We compared 93 tracked patients with R-IVCF with 20 controls. The baseline characteristics of the groups were similar. Tracked patients had significantly higher rates of filter retrieval (60% vs 30%, P  = 0.02) and filter retrieval attempts (70% vs 30%, P = 0.002) and were significantly less likely to be lost to follow-up (5% vs 65%, P < 0.0001). Time to retrieval attempt was 84 days in the registry versus 210 days in the control group, which trended  towards significance (P = 0.23). Tracking patients with R-IVCF leads to improved retrieval rates, more retrieval attempts, and decreased loss to follow up. Institutions should consider tracking R-IVCF to maximize retrieval rates.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
authors.forename: Donald J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Lucas
authors.forename: James R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Dunne
authors.forename: Carlos J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Rodriguez
authors.forename: Kathleen M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Curry
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Elster
authors.forename: Diego
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vicente
authors.forename: Debra L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Malone
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D020878:Device Removal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D059012:Lost to Follow-Up; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D012042:Registries; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016306:Vena Cava Filters