Acute caval thrombosis leading to obstructive shock in the early post insertion period of an inferior vena cava filter: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive shock is extremely rare in clinical practice and is caused by acute blood flow obstruction in the central vessels of either the systemic or pulmonary circulation. Utilizing inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) to prevent pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated with some potential complications, such as inferior vena cava thrombosis (IVCT). Shock as a direct result of IVCT is rare. We present a case of obstructive shock secondary to extensive IVCT caused by inadequate anticoagulant therapy after the placement of an IVCF. CASE PRESENTATION: A 63-year-old male patient with a traffic accident injury presented orthopaedic trauma and lower limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT). He experienced sudden and severe abdominal pain with hypotension, tachycardia, tachypnea, oliguria and peripheral oedema 5 days after IVCF placement and 3 days after cessation of anticoagulant therapy. Considering that empirical anti-shock treatment lasted for a while and the curative effect was poor, we finally recognized the affected vessels and focused on the reason for obstructive shock through imaging findings-inferior vena cava thrombosis and occlusion. The shock state immediately resolved after thrombus aspiration. The same type of shock occurred again 6 days later during transfer from the ICU to general wards and the same treatment was administered. The patient recovered smoothly in the later stage, and the postoperative follow-up at 1, 3, and 12 months showed good results. CONCLUSION: This case alerts clinicians that it is crucial to ensure adequate anticoagulation therapy after IVCF placement, and when a patient presents with symptoms such as hypotension, tachycardia, and lower limb and scrotal oedema postoperatively, immediate consideration should be given to the possibility of obstructive shock, and prompt intervention should be based on the underlying cause.

Laparoscopic-assisted retrieval of inferior vena cava filter: A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: The retrieval of inferior vena cava filters beyond the retrieval window poses challenges, requiring alternative techniques. OBJECTIVES: To discuss the laparoscopy-assisted retrieval approach for difficult inferior vena cava filters. RESEARCH DESIGN: Case report. SUBJECTS: A 57-year-old male with a retrievable inferior vena cava filter placed 8 months prior. MEASURES: Laparoscopy-assisted retrieval technique utilized after unsuccessful interventional attempts. RESULTS: Successful retrieval of the filter despite thickened intimal tissue involvement, with no postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy-assisted retrieval offers a direct visual approach for challenging filter removal, proving minimally invasive, safe, and effective.

Comparing anticoagulant therapy alone, anticoagulant therapy in combination with catheter-directed thrombolysis, and anticoagulant therapy in combination with pharmacomechanical catheter-directed thrombolysis in the patients with optional inferior vena cava filter-related thrombosis: A single-center retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the treatment methods and efficacy of inferior vena cava filter thrombosis (IVCFT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, the clinical data for 47 patients with IVCFT who underwent sequential treatment at the Department of Vascular Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Second Hospital, from January 2020 to January 2023 were analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups according to the treatment method: anticoagulant therapy (AC group), anticoagulation plus catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT group), and anticoagulation plus AngioJet thrombectomy plus catheter-directed thrombolysis (PCDT group). The evaluation criteria for efficacy mainly included preoperative and postoperative clinical symptoms (Villalta score), thrombus diameter, thrombus clearance rate, filter retrieval rate, filter retention time, and urokinase dosage. RESULTS: This study included 47 patients, of whom 31 were males (65.9%) and 16 females (34.1%), with a mean age of 72.05 ± 8.32 years. An Aegisy filter was used in seven patients, whereas an Illicium filter was used in forty patients. There were a total of nineteen patients in the anticoagulation-only group, with complete dissolution of the intraluminal thrombus in five patients, a residual thrombus with a maximum diameter ≤1 cm in three patients, and a residual thrombus with a maximum diameter >1 cm in eleven patients. The Villalta score was 7.16 ± 0.6 before treatment and decreased to 3.79 ± 0.59 after treatment. The thrombus diameter decreased from an average of 1.46 ± 0.2 cm before treatment to an average of 0.85 ± 0.14 cm after treatment. The retrieval rate for the filters was 42.11% (8/19), with an average dwell time of 27.4 ± 1.3 days for the filters. The CDT group consisted of 17 patients. Among whom we observed, complete dissolution of the intraluminal thrombus was observed in six patients, residual thrombus with a maximum diameter ≤1 cm in nine patients, and residual thrombus with a maximum diameter >1 cm in two patients. The Villalta score decreased from 7.53 ± 0.83 before treatment to 2.06 ± 0.39 after treatment. The thrombus diameter also decreased from 1.46 ± 0.16 cm before treatment to 0.35 ± 0.11 cm after treatment. The retrieval rate of the filters was 88.24% (15/17), and the average filter indwelling time was 19.25 ± 4.5 days. The PCDT group consisted of 11 patients. We observed complete dissolution of the intraluminal thrombus in four patients, residual thrombus with a maximum diameter ≤1 cm in six patients, and residual thrombus with a maximum diameter >1 cm in one patient. The Villalta score decreased from 7.45 ± 0.76 before treatment to 2.09 ± 0.55 after treatment. The thrombus diameter decreased from 1.50 ± 0.21 cm before treatment to 0.33 ± 0.35 cm after treatment, and the rate of filter retrieval was 90.91% (10/11). CONCLUSION: The three treatments of anticoagulation therapy, CDT, and PCDT were meaningful for preoperative and postoperative thrombolysis and symptom improvement in patients with IVCFT. The application of CDT and PCDT was superior to anticoagulation therapy, while there was no significant difference between the CDT and PCDT group. The retrieval rate of filters in the anticoagulation therapy group was the lowest, with no significant difference between the CDT and PCDT group.

The outcome of endovenous intervention for acute iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis with and without inferior vena cava filter.

BACKGROUND: Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) for acute iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is an endovenous interventional therapy that can quickly remove the acute thrombus, thereby improving the clinical outcomes of proximal DVT. However, instrumentation of extensive fresh thrombus may be associated with iatrogenic pulmonary embolism (PE). Therefore, we aimed to compare CDT's safety, complications, and perioperative embolic (PE) insults for acute iliofemoral DVT, with and without an IVC filter. METHODS: One hundred twenty patients having acute proximal DVT for less than 14 days and undergoing endovenous therapy were included and presented to the vascular surgery department of Al-Azhar University Hospitals, Egypt. The patients were randomized into two equal groups, Groups A and B, each having 60 patients. Group A was treated with IVC filter insertion, while Group B was treated without a filter. The anticoagulation and CDT procedures were similar between the two groups. RESULTS: The sample included 96 females (80%) and 24 males (20%), with a mean age of 32.6 ± 7.2 years. Clinically no clinical PE occurred in both groups. However, radiologically, new lesions in multislice CT pulmonary angiogram and V/Q scan were noted in two of 60 patients (3.33%) of the IVC filter group, compared with three patients (5 %) in the non-filtered group. CONCLUSION: Endovenous intervention in the form of CDT for acute iliofemoral DVT without an IVC filter is safe and not associated with an increased risk of pulmonary embolization than filter usage. The routine use of IVC filters should not be used mandatorily during CDT.

The use of pre-operative Inferior Vena Cava filters for thromboprophylaxis in ultra-high-risk patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and narrative analysis.

PURPOSE: Patients undergoing total hip (THA) or knee (TKA) arthroplasty are at high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). As the number performed annually increases, the population at risk of fatal pulmonary embolism (PE) also grows. Ultra-high-risk arthroplasty patients (UHRAPs) include those with additional comorbidities, or a history of VTE, for many of whom routine prophylaxis will previously have failed. Pre-operative insertion of Inferior Vena Cava filters (IVCFs) has been recommended for thromboprophylaxis in UHRAPs, and this review was performed to establish their results. METHODS: A systematic search of MEDLINE and Embase databases was performed for studies reporting the use of Inferior Vena Cava filters in hip and knee arthroplasty patients. RESULTS: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, containing 718 IVCFs in Orthopaedic patients, 343 of which were permanent (47.8%), 369 potentially retrievable (51.4%), 5 absorbable (0.6%) and one of unknown design (0.1%). Patient age averaged 64.7yrs (17-95) and 56% were female. Pre-operatively, 415 prophylactic IVCFs were inserted in 409 UHRAPs, undergoing a total of 438 total joint arthroplasties (TJA). There were 11 cases of PE in the entire series (1.5%) only one of which was fatal (0.01%), with four non-fatal PE in the UHRAP group (0.96%). Removal was attempted for 283 of the retrievable filters (76.7%) and was successful in 280 (98.9%). CONCLUSION: The use of IVCFs eliminated fatal PE in UHRAPs, but larger, high-quality studies, with standardised reporting, are still required to determine their absolute indications for use, complication profile, efficacy and optimum design.

Outcome of anticoagulation with rivaroxaban in patients with non-retrieved inferior vena cava filters for the prevention of filter thrombosis: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Non-retrieved inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) is associated with some severe complications, such as filter thrombosis. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the outcome of rivaroxaban for the prevention of filter thrombosis in patients with non-retrieved IVCF. METHODS: The study based on the VTE registry databases was limited to patients with non-retrieved IVCF treated at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from January 2012 to December 2017. Outcomes included filter thrombosis, total bleeding events, death. RESULTS: A total of 202 patients were enrolled in the study and divided into rivaroxaban group and warfarin group. Mean follow-up period of the two groups was 57.4 ± 20.8 and 62.2 ± 23.0 months, respectively. In risk factors for VTE, transient factors (P = 0.008) and history of VTE (P = 0.028) were statistically different between the two groups. A total of 13 (6.4%) patients developed filter complications, of which 4 (3.5%) and 5 (5.7%) patients in rivaroxaban group and warfarin group developed filter thrombosis, respectively, without significant difference (P = 0.690). The total bleeding events in rivaroxaban group, including major bleeding and clinically relevant and non-major (CRNM) bleeding, were significantly lower than that in warfarin group (P = 0.005). Adjusting for hypertension, transient risk factors, history of VTE and cancer, no differences in the hazard ratio for outcomes were notable. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to perform a concomitant anticoagulation in patients with non-retrieved filters. Rivaroxaban can be an alternative anticoagulant option for the prevention of filter thrombosis.

Anticoagulation and bleeding in the cancer patient.

Cancer patients have an increased risk of bleeding compared to non-cancer patients with anticoagulant therapy. A bleeding risk assessment before initiation of anticoagulation is recommended. Currently low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are the mainstays of treatment for cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE). Since DOACs are administered orally, they offer some convenience and ease of administration; however, LMWH may be preferred in certain cancers. Given the prevalence of anticoagulant therapies in cancer patients, clinical providers must be able to recognize potentially critical bleeding sites and modalities to reverse major hemorrhage. Reversal agents or antidotes to bleeding may be required when bleeding is persistent or life-threatening. These include vitamin K, fresh frozen plasma (FFP), protamine, prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) or andexanet alfa, and idarucizumab. Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter insertion can be also considered in those with major bleeding. Evidence for timing and need for re-initiation of anticoagulant therapy after a major bleeding remains sparse, but a multi-disciplinary approach and shared decision-making can be implemented in the interim.

Does timing of IVC filter placement in bariatric surgery patients impact perioperative outcomes?

PURPOSE: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) remains a safe and effective treatment for morbid obesity with a low-risk profile. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains the most common cause of mortality. There is increasing consensus that inferior vena cava (IVC) filter use is associated with more harm than benefit. Our study aim was to determine if the timing of IVC filter placement correlates with VTE complications. METHODS: The 2015-2019 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program databases were used to identify Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) patients who had an IVC filter at the time of bariatric procedure. Selected cases were stratified by IVC placement timing. Propensity-score matching estimated the probabilities of receiving pre-existing vs. prophylactic IVC placement. Resultant models were then used to assess VTE complications. Statistical analyses were performed with Stata MP version 16. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: In total, 228,986 RYGB and 568,386 SG cases were analyzed, and 0.6% and 0.5% had an IVC filter. Prophylactic IVC filter use declined annually, but not pre-existing filters. VTE and VTE-related mortality were significantly higher in filter vs. no filter cohorts (p<0.001). Propensity matching reduced biases between RYGB and SG IVC filter cohorts (pre-existing vs. prophylactic). There were no differences in the RYGB pre-existing and prophylactic IVC filter cohorts; however; for SG cases, pre-existing IVC filters compared to prophylactic IVC filters were associated with decreased odds of having a VTE (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95, 0.99). CONCLUSION: Compared to a pre-existing filter, the presence of a prophylactic IVC filter in SG patients was associated with a higher likelihood of VTE. HIGHLIGHTS: 1. Annual use of prophylactic IVC filter is bariatric surgery patients is decreasing. 2. The presence of a pre-existing IVC filter remain constant. 3. Any IVC filter presence at time of MBS increased VTE and VTE-related mortality and morbidity. 4. In SG cases, prophylactic IVC filter was associated with higher rates of VTE and VTE-related mortality.

Risk factors for inferior vena cava filter thrombosis in traumatic fracture patients with deep venous thrombosis of lower extremity: A single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the risk factors for inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) thrombus in orthopedic trauma patients who underwent filter placement with ongoing anticoagulation in clinical settings. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from fracture patients with lower extremity acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) implanted with an IVCF admitted to Tianjin Hospital from January 2017 to December 2019. Potential risk factors, such as gender, age, diabetes, hypertension, fracture sites, thrombus location, free-floating thrombus, filter type, Injury Severity Score (ISS), and postoperative D-dimer values, were analyzed by the Chi-square test, t-test, logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: A total of 662 patients were included in our study, and filter-related thrombosis was present in 67 (10.1%) patients. No significant differences were observed in age, gender, hypertension, diabetes, fracture site, free-floating thrombus, filter type, indwelling time, and postoperative D-dimer level. Thrombus location and ISS were significantly different (p < 0.05). Popliteal DVT (P-DVT) (odds ratio [OR]: 2.130, p = 0.018) and ISS (OR: 1.135, p = 0.000) were associated with filter thrombus. Patients with P-DVT were prone to a small filter thrombus (OR: 3.231, p = 0.037). From the ROC curve analysis, the diagnostic value of ISS was 24.5 and 26.5 for patients with filter and massive filter thrombus, respectively. CONCLUSION: Thrombus location and ISS were independent risk factors for filter thrombus in patients with traumatic fractures. P-DVT had a higher potential to result in a small filter thrombus and an ISS value >26.5, which was considered a significant massive filter thrombus predictor.

Do the benefits of prophylactic inferior vena cava filters outweigh the risks in trauma patients? A meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate whether the benefits of prophylactic inferior vena cava filters (IVCF) outweigh the risks thereof. PATIENTS AND METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched for records published from 1980 to 2018 by two independent researchers (MG, GG). The endpoints of interest were pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) rates. Quality assessment, data extraction and analysis were performed according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Mantel-Haenszel method with odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (OR (95%CI)) as the measure of effect size was utilized for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Fifteen studies (two randomized controlled trials and 13 observational studies) were included in the meta-analysis. PE rate was 0.9% (11/1183) in IVCF vs. 0.6% (240/39,417) in No IVCF. This difference was not statistically significant [OR (95%CI) = 0.31 (0.06, 1.51); p = 0.15]. DVT rate was 8.4% (77/915) in IVCF vs. 1.7% (653/38,807) in No IVCF. The difference was not statistically significant [OR (95%CI) = 2.67 (0.90, 7.98); p = 0.08]. In the subset of RCTs, PE rate was 0% (0/64) in IVCF vs. 12% (6/5) in No IVCF. This difference was statistically significant [OR (95%CI) = 0.12 (0.01, 1.03); p = 0.05]. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis found that prophylactic IVCF may be associated with decreased PE rates at the possible cost of increased DVT rates. Further observational and experimental clinical studies are needed to confirm the findings of this meta-analysis.

Temporal trends in vena cava filter implantation in public health system inpatients: an 11-year analysis of the largest city in Brazil.

Background: Vena cava filter implantation is considered a simple procedure, which can lead to overuse and over-indication. It is nevertheless associated with short and long-term complications. Objectives: The goals of this study were to evaluate rates of vena cava filter implantation conducted by Brazil's Unified Public Health System, analyzing in-hospital mortality and migration of patients from other cities seeking medical attention in São Paulo. Methods: This study analyzed all vena cava filter procedures conducted from 2008 to 2018 in the city of São Paulo and registered on the public database using a big data system to conduct web scraping of publicly available databases. Results: A total of 1324 vena cava filter implantations were analyzed. 60.5% of the patients were female; 61.7% were under 65 years old; 34.07% had registered addresses in other cities or states; and there was a 7.4% in-hospital mortality rate. Conclusions: We observed an increase in the rates of use of vena cava filters up to 2010 and a decrease in rates from that year onwards, which coincides with the year that the Food and Drug Administration published a recommendation to better evaluate vena cava filter indications.

Contexto: O implante de filtro de veia cava é considerado um procedimento de baixa complexidade, o que pode resultar em indicação excessiva. No entanto, não é isento de complicações a curto e longo prazo. Objetivos: Avaliar as taxas de implantes de filtro de veia cava realizados pelo Sistema Único de Saúde e a origem geográfica e mortalidade intra-hospitalar dos pacientes. Métodos: Foi conduzida uma análise em um banco de dados públicos referente às taxas de implantes de filtro de veia cava realizados de 2008 a 2018 na cidade de São Paulo, utilizando o sistema de big data. Resultados: Foram analisados 1.324 implantes de filtro de veia cava financiados pelo Sistema Único de Saúde. Identificou-se tendência de aumento da taxa de implantação até 2010 e de redução dos números após esse período. Do total de pacientes, 60,5% eram do sexo feminino; 61,75% tinham menos de 65 anos; e 34,07% possuíam endereço oficial em outra cidade ou estado. A taxa de mortalidade intra-hospitalar foi de 7,4%. Conclusões: Observamos aumento das taxas de implante de filtro de veia cava até 2010 e redução das taxas após esse período, o que coincide com o ano em que a organização norte-americana Food and Drug Administration publicou uma recomendação para melhor avaliar as indicações de filtros.

Navigating inferior vena cava filters in invasive cardiology procedures: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Transfemoral venous access (TFV) is the cornerstone of minimally invasive cardiac procedures. Although the presence of inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) was considered a relative contraindication to TFV procedures, small experiences have suggested safety. We conducted a systematic review of the available literature on cardiac procedural success of TFV with IVCF in-situ. METHODS: Two independent reviewers searched PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar from inception to October 2020 for studies that reported outcomes in patients with IVCFs undergoing TFV for invasive cardiac procedures. We investigated a primary outcome of acute procedural success and reviewed the pooled data for patient demographics, procedural complications, types of IVCF, IVCF dwell time, and procedural specifics. RESULTS: Out of the 120 studies initially screened, 8 studies were used in the final analysis with a total of 100 patients who underwent 110 procedures. The most common IVCF was the Greenfield Filter (36%), 60% of patients were males and the mean age was 67.8 years. The overall pooled incidence of acute procedural success was 95.45% (95% confidence interval = 89.54-98.1) with no heterogeneity (I2 = 0%, p = 1) and there were no reported filter-related complications. CONCLUSION: This systematic review is the largest study of its kind to demonstrate the safety and feasibility of TFV access in a variety of cardiac procedures in the presence of IVCF.

Current Controversies in Inferior Vena Cava Filter Placement: AJR Expert Panel Narrative Review.

Despite inferior vena cava (IVC) filter practice spanning over 50 years, interventionalists face many controversies in proper utilization and management. This article reviews recent literature and offers opinions on filter practices. IVC filtration is most likely to benefit patients at high risk of iatrogenic pulmonary embolus during endovenous intervention. Filters should be used selectively in patients with acute trauma or who are undergoing bariatric surgery. Retrieval should be attempted for perforating filter and fractured filter fragments when imaging suggests feasibility and favorable risk-to-benefit ratio. Antibiotic prophylaxis should be considered when removing filters with confirmed gastrointestinal penetration. Anticoagulation solely because of filter presence is not recommended except in patients with active malignancy. Anticoagulation while filters remain in place may decrease long-term filter complications in these patients. Patients with a filter and symptomatic IVC occlusion should be offered filter removal and IVC reconstruction. Physicians implanting filters may maximize retrieval by maintaining physician-patient relationships and scheduling follow-up at time of placement. Annual follow-up allows continued evaluation for removal or replacement as appropriate. Advanced retrieval techniques increase retrieval rates but require caution. Certain cases may require referral to experienced centers with additional retrieval resources. The views expressed should help guide clinical practice, future innovation, and research.

Impact of Advanced Technique on Improvement in the Retrievable Inferior Vena Cava Filter Retrieval Rate.

BACKGROUND: It is recommended to remove retrievable inferior vena cava filters (r-IVCFs) when they are no longer needed because their presence may give rise to serious complications related to prolonged placement of the filter. An advanced filter retrieval technique may help improve the retrieval rate.Methods and Results:107 consecutive patients (mean age; 61±18 years, male 53%) in whom r-IVCF retrieval was attempted were prospectively enrolled between April 2012 and December 2018. The frequently used advanced techniques were sling technique and biopsy forceps dissection technique. Retrieval success was 75% with standard retrieval technique alone; however, the overall retrieval success rate improved to 98% with advanced techniques. We observed few serious complications related to the retrieval procedure. Logistic multivariate analysis identified prolonged indwelling time (P=0.0011) and embedded hook in the caval wall (P=0.0114) as independent predictors, and the cutoff value for the indwelling time for requirement of advanced technique was 80 days. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced retrieval techniques helped improve the retrieval rate without serious complications. We may need to consider the referral of patients to centers with expertise in advanced retrieval techniques when the indwelling time is >80 days, and pre-retrieval CT image shows a hook embedded in the vessel wall.

Indications and long-term outcomes of preoperative inferior vena caval filters in 111 patients at high risk of pulmonary embolism undergoing major abdominal surgery.

AIMS: Patients with abdominal cancer requiring major surgical intervention are at high risk of venous thromboembolic events (VTE), particularly pulmonary emboli (PE). A proportion of patients with cancer can present with, or have had, major VTEs prior to definitive surgical treatment. Preoperative percutaneous inferior venal caval filters (IVCF) may reduce the risk of PE. The aim of this study was to assess the indications, complications, retrieval rates, and long-term outcome of IVCFs in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of a prospective IVCF database between 2007 and 2018 of all patients with IVCF insertion prior to major abdominal surgery. The indications for an IVCF, procedural complications and surgical interventions were recorded. RESULTS: Overall, 111 patients had IVCF insertion. IVCF placement failed in one patient with gross abdominal disease. Indications for an IVCF were: prior PE in 65/111 (59%) and major vein thrombus in 42 (38%). Overall, 26/111 (23%) had the IVCF removed at a median of 91 days. In two patients IVCF removal failed. At follow-up of the 85 patients who had the IVCF left in situ, six developed filter-related thrombus and 13 a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Four patients had a PE with an indwelling IVCF. CONCLUSION: Preoperative IVCF may reduce perioperative PE in patients at high risk of thrombosis undergoing major abdominal surgery where early anticoagulation is contraindicated. Long-term follow-up of retained IVCF suggests that major problems are infrequent, though further thrombosis may occur and long-term anticoagulation may be needed.

Outcomes and Prognosis Factors in Patients With Vena Cava Filters in a Quaternary Medical Center: A 5-Year Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Indications for inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) placement are controversial. This study assesses the proportion of different indications for IVCF placement and the associated 30-day event rates and predictors for all-cause mortality, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, and bleeding after IVCF placement. METHOD: In this 5-year retrospective cohort observational study in a quaternary care center, consecutive patients with IVCF placement were identified through cross-matching of 3 database sets and classified into 3 indication groups defined as "standard" in patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) and contraindication to anticoagulants, "extended" in patients with VTE but no contraindication to anticoagulants, and "prophylactic" in patients without VTE. RESULTS: We identified 1248 IVCF placements, that is, 238 (19.1%) IVCF placements for standard indications, 583 (46.7%) IVCF placements for extended indications, and 427 (34.2%) IVCF placements for prophylactic indications. Deep vein thrombosis rates [95% confidence interval] were higher in the extended (8.06% [5.98-10.58]) and prophylactic (7.73% [5.38-10.68]) groups than in the standard group (3.36% [1.46-6.52]). Mortality rates were higher in the standard group (12.18% [8.31-17.03]) than in the extended group (7.55% [5.54-9.99]) and the prophylactic (5.85% [3.82-8.52]) group. Bleeding rates were higher in the standard group (4.62% [2.33-8.12]) than in the prophylactic group (2.11% [0.97-3.96]). Best predictors for VTE were acute medical conditions; best predictors for mortality were age, acute medical conditions, cancer, and Medicare health insurance. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic and extended indications account for the majority of IVCF placements. The standard indication is associated with the lowest VTE rate that may be explained by the competing risk of mortality higher in this group and related to the underlying medical conditions and bleeding risk. In the prophylactic group (no VTE at baseline), the exceedingly high DVT rate may be related to the IVCF placement.

Clinical evaluation of retrievable inferior vena cava filters for the prevention of pulmonary thromboembolism.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) have been reported to cause chronic complications. Recently, retrievable IVCFs (r-IVCF) have been increasingly used to prevent acute pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and allow retrieval upon reduction of PTE risk. However, the outcomes of their use in Japan remain unknown. METHODS: This study retrospectively investigated the acute PTE relapse prevention rate, IVCF retrieval attempt rate, retrieval success rate, and long-term prognosis of 197 patients who underwent r-IVCF insertion at our hospital between 2010 and 2018. RESULTS: Subjects had a mean age of 68 years and a male-to-female ratio of 1:1. After r-IVCF insertion, the acute PTE prevention rate was 99.5%. The r-IVCF retrieval rate was 55% (108 patients), with a success rate of 99% (107 patients). r-IVCF retrieval was not attempted in 89 cases due to advanced cancer or poor prognosis (41%), loss to follow-up (32%), and long-term indwelling IVCF (17%). The retrieval group had an average observation period of 36 months, with their anticoagulation therapy continuation, PTE recurrence, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) recurrence rates being 64%, 3%, and 4%, respectively. The non-retrieval group had a mean observation period of 21 months, with their anticoagulation continuation, PTE recurrence, and DVT recurrence rates being 78%, 3%, and 15%, respectively. DVT recurrence rates increased significantly in the non-retrieval group (p < 0.01). Moreover, 65% of all DVTs occurred centrally from the femoral veins, among which 9% were contraindicated for anticoagulation therapy. CONCLUSIONS: IVCF placement significantly prevented acute PTE but promoted recurrent DVTs when not retrieved after risk reduction. Hence, to increase recovery rates, IVCFs be promptly removed when no longer necessary.

Mediastinal effusion due to pericardiocentesis with cardiac tamponade: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Pericardiocentesis is an effective treatment for cardiac tamponade, but there are risks, including haemorrhagic events, cardiac perforation, pneumothorax, arrhythmia, acute pulmonary oedema and so on. Mediastinal effusion caused by puncture is rarely reported. CASE PRESENTATION: A 47-year-old man who had a history of right leg deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary artery embolism with implantation of an inferior vena cava filter presented for inferior vena cava filter removal. Within 30 min after the procedure, he developed chest pain, nausea, vomiting and presyncope with shock. Echocardiography confirmed massive pericardial effusion with evidence of cardiac tamponade. Emergency pericardiocentesis was performed. Confusingly, only 3 mL of bloody pericardial effusion was drained in total, and subsequently, the patient's symptoms rapidly improved with stable haemodynamics. Repeat echocardiography showed that the pericardial effusion had disappeared. Urgent computed tomography pulmonary angiography demonstrated localized effusion, which was not seen the previous computed tomography results and was noted around the left ventricle in the mediastinal apace. No intervention was performed, given that there was no bleeding tendency or further adverse events related to the mediastinal effusion. The patient was subsequently discharged in a stable condition a few days later, and outpatient follow-up was advised. CONCLUSIONS: Mediastinal effusion is a rare complication of pericardiocentesis. In the case described herein, the most likely cause was pericardial effusion extravasated into the mediastinum through the needle insertion site in the puncture process due to large pressure variations in the intrapericardial space with tamponade, differing from cases of over-anticoagulation reported in the previous literature. Just as our case demonstrates that conservative treatment of an hemodynamic insignificant mediastinal effusion may be appropriate. Echocardiography is useful and effective to minimize complication rates.

Caval pseudoaneurysms following complex inferior vena cava filter removal: Clinical significance and patient outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the incidence and clinical significance of caval pseudoaneurysm and extravasation post-complex inferior vena cava filter retrieval. METHODS: A total of 83 patients (70% female, average age 56) underwent complex inferior vena cava filter retrieval between January 2015 and December 2019 utilizing either rigid endobronchial forceps (n = 69, 83%) and/or excimer laser (n = 20, 24%). Procedural variables were recorded. The incidence and size of caval pseudoaneurysms and extravasation along with treatment type and clinical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Technical success in all cases was 96% (n = 80). Average fluoroscopy time was 23 min (median: 20.2, range: 0.9-129.5). Average filter dwell time was 85 months (range: 2-316 months). Caval pseudoaneurysm was detected on post-retrieval venography in 10 patients (12%) and frank extravasation occurred in 1 case (1%). Average pseudoaneurysm length and width was 20.4 mm (range: 5-45 mm) and 12.9 mm (range: 4-24 mm), respectively. Pseudoaneurysms occurred most frequently during the removal of Optease (n = 5) and Celect (n = 2) filters. The pseudoaneurysms completely resolved with prolonged (>5 min) balloon angioplasty in all but one instance where a small portion of the pseudoaneurysm persisted. This patient was admitted and observed overnight before being discharged without complication. The solitary case of significant extravasation was effectively managed with immediate stent placement and the patient remained hemodynamically stable. CONCLUSIONS: Radiographically detectable caval pseudoaneurysm and extravasation is not uncommon in complex inferior vena cava filter retrieval and, despite being considered a major complication by Society of Interventional Radiology guidelines, can often be managed without stenting or other invasive treatment.

An Uncommon Cause of Shock: Acute Thrombosis of the Inferior Vena Cava.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive shock is an uncommon presentation to the emergency department (ED) and is most often caused by an acute pulmonary embolism. A very rare cause of obstructive shock is extensive deep venous thrombosis, otherwise known as phlegmasia cerulea dolens. We present a case of obstructive shock caused by placement of an inferior vena cava filter complicated by acute occlusion with extensive deep venous thrombosis. CASE REPORT: A 57-year-old man presented to the ED with hypotension, lethargy, and chronic leg pain. The day prior he had an inferior vena cava filter placed and was taken off his anticoagulation approximately 1 week prior. Massive pulmonary embolism was excluded as the cause based on point-of-care ultrasound showing absence of right heart strain. His initial resuscitation and evaluation did not determine the cause of his shock and he was empirically treated for sepsis. After adequate blood pressure was achieved with norepinephrine, his lower extremities were noted to be cyanotic and an ultrasound revealed the diagnosis of phlegmasia cerulea dolens. The shock state resolved after catheter-directed thrombolysis. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Although unique, this case highlights an alternative cause of obstructive shock and informs emergency physicians about a potential deadly complication of a common procedure.