BACKGROUND: Temporary vena cava filters have been used for protection from potentially fatal pulmonary embolism. However, recent reports suggested that they may be associated with serious adverse complications including filter-related thrombosis. The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical complications of temporary vena cava filter placement. METHODS: We enrolled 40 consecutive patients from January 2006 to December 2010 who underwent percutaneous temporary vena cava filter insertion in Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University. RESULTS: Major filter complications related to temporary vena cava filters were filter thrombosis in 4 patients (10.2%), filter dislocation in 4 (10.2%), and catheter-related infection in 3 (7.7%). Massive pulmonary embolism and cardiogenic shock was observed in one case (2.5%) at the time of retraction. CONCLUSION: Temporary filter placement was associated with a high incidence of device-related complications. The benefit of temporary filter placement should be judiciously weighed against the risk of complications.
BACKGROUND: Temporary vena cava filters have been used for protection from potentially fatal pulmonary embolism. However, recent reports suggested that they may be associated with serious adverse complications including filter-related thrombosis. The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical complications of temporary vena cava filter placement. METHODS: We enrolled 40 consecutive patients from January 2006 to December 2010 who underwent percutaneous temporary vena cava filter insertion in Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University. RESULTS: Major filter complications related to temporary vena cava filters were filter thrombosis in 4 patients (10.2%), filter dislocation in 4 (10.2%), and catheter-related infection in 3 (7.7%). Massive pulmonary embolism and cardiogenic shock was observed in one case (2.5%) at the time of retraction. CONCLUSION: Temporary filter placement was associated with a high incidence of device-related complications. The benefit of temporary filter placement should be judiciously weighed against the risk of complications.