Inferior vena cava filter medium to long-term results

Abstract

Introduction: Pulmonary thromboembolism without treatment presents a risk of recurrence of 20%, with a mortality of 18% to 26%. In patients with pulmonary embolism, when anticoagulation therapy is contraindicated or failed, it is necessary to intervene partially the inferior vena cava on which cava vein filters are the main used alternative. Aim: Analyze the epidemiological variables involved on thromboembolic disease, and the outcomes of the inferior vena cava filter insertions. Materials and Method: Retrospective, observational and descriptive study, which analyzes the successive insertion of 82 inferior vena cava filters, over a period of 10 years (2009 to 2019), in the Dr. Eduardo Pereira Hospital, Valparaíso, Chile. Results: Female sex 53.6%, average age 60.4 years (range 19-86), the main cause to develop thromboembolic disease were oncological diseases (56.09%); the main access path was the common femoral vein (69.51%); in a 4.87% the location of the filter was suprarenal. Complete follow-up was obtained in 89.02% of the cases, 5-year survival with 73.17% ratio and 10-years survival of 57.32%, morbidity in relation to the procedure was 9.75%; success of the procedure 97.5%; there was no mortality related. Discussion: Large studies demonstrate the benefits of interruption on the inferior vena cava through filters, especially in cancer patients with high risk of pulmonary embolism. Conclusion: The insertion of an inferior vena cava filter when indication is adequate, is a minimally invasive procedure with low risk and excellent results in the prophylaxis of pulmonary embolism.