DEPLOYMENT OF INFERIOR VENA CAVA FILTERS; EFFICACY AND SAFETY

Abstract

Objective: To study the patient's profile, indications and procedural success of placement of Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters at AFIC/NIHD Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Design:A retrospective observational study. Place and Duration of Study: The patients were studied in the department of Interventional Cardiology of AFIC/NIHD from May 2004 to Jun 2005. Material and Methods: 16 patients of either sex who revealed clinical and investigative evidence of recurrent pulmonary embolism (PE) due to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of lower limbs were selected. All efforts including history, physical examination and laboratory investigations were carried out in order to ascertain the aetiology. A note was made of the associated conditions, past and family history of DVT and PE. IVC filter was deployed through femoral vein in all patients as a life saving treatment modality. The procedure was uncomplicated and all patients had smooth post procedural recovery. Results: Through femoral vein, IVC filters (Trap Ease Cordis J&J) were successfully deployed below the renal veins. In one patient, another filter was deployed immediately below the tricuspid valve. Conclusion: IVC filter placement is a simple, safe and effective procedure in stabilizing patients who have recurrent pulmonary embolism.