Should we remove the retrievable Cook Celect Inferior vena cava filter? Eight years of experience at a single center

Abstract

Background: The inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) is very effective for preventing pulmonary embolism in patients w ho cannot u ndergo a nticoagulation t herapy. However, if a f ilter i s placed i n the body permanently, i t may lead to other complications. Methods: A retrospective study was performed of 159 patients who underwent retrievable Cook Celect IVCF implantation between January 2007 and April 2015 at a single center. Baseline characteristics, indications, and complications caused by the filter were investigated. Results: The most common underlying disease of patients receiving the filter was cancer (24.3%). Venous thrombolysis or thrombectomy was the most common indication for IVCF insertion in this study (47.2%). The most common complication was inferior vena cava penetration, the risk of which increased the longer the filter remained in the body (p=0.032, Exp(B)=1.004). Conclusion: If the patient is able to retry anticoagulation therapy and the filter is no longer needed, the filter should be removed, even if a long time has elapsed since implantation. If the filter c annot be r emoved, it i s recommended t hat follow-up c omputed tomography b e performed regularly to monitor the progress of venous thromboembolisms as well as any filter-related complications.