Vena cava filters: a decade of experience in a level I trauma center.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the data on the use of vena cava filter in the Division of Trauma, UCSD Medical Center - San Diego, CA / USA. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted at the Division of Trauma to evaluate the cumulated experience and the therapeutic approach in patients attended by the staff of the Division of Trauma and submitted to placement of a vena cava filter as a method of prevention or treatment of Pulmonary Thromboembolism (PTE) from January 1999 to December 2008. RESULTS: The study comprised 512 patients, mostly males (73%). As to the cause, automobile accident injuries predominated, followed by injuries caused by falls. The male / female ratio was 3:1. The most affected age group was the one between 21 to 40 years, representing 36% of patients. The percentage of prophylactic vena cava filters was 82%, whilst 18% had treatment purposes. Head trauma was the main cause for the indication of prophylactic filters followed by spinal cord trauma. The rate of pos-filter deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was 11%. CONCLUSION: In the presence of contraindications to the use of anticoagulants in patients who suffered severe trauma, the inferior vena cava filters have proven to be an effective and safe option. However, one should apply rigorous clinical judgment to all indications, even after the advent of retrievable filters.

Filtro de veia cava: uma década de experiência em um centro de trauma nível I / Vena cava filters: a decade of experience in a level I trauma center

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os dados relativos à utilização de filtro de veia cava na Divisão de Trauma do Centro Médico da UCSD San Diego, CA/EUA. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo realizado na Divisão de Trauma visando avaliar a experiência acumulada e a conduta terapêutica nos doentes atendidos pela equipe da Divisão de Trauma e submetidos à colocação de filtro de veia cava como método de prevenção ou tratamento do TEP no período de janeiro de 1999 a dezembro de 2008. RESULTADOS: O estudo compreendeu 512 doentes, destacando-se o sexo masculino (73%). Quanto à causa do traumatismo predominou o acidente automobilístico, seguido por lesões provocadas por quedas. A relação homem/mulher foi 3:1. A faixa etária mais atingida foi 21 a 40 anos, representando 36% dos doentes. O percentual de filtros de cava profiláticos foi de 82% contra 18% de filtros terapêuticos. O traumatismo craniano foi a principal causa para indicação de filtros profiláticos seguido dos traumas raquimedulares. O índice de TVP pós-filtro foi 11%. CONCLUSÃO: Na presença de contraindicação ao uso de anticoagulantes em doentes vítimas de trauma grave, os filtros de veia cava inferior demonstraram ser uma opção efetiva e segura. Entretanto, deve-se aplicar rigor ao julgamento clínico para todas as indicações, mesmo após o advento de filtros "recuperáveis".

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the data on the use of vena cava filter in the Division of Trauma, UCSD Medical Center - San Diego, CA / USA. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted at the Division of Trauma to evaluate the cumulated experience and the therapeutic approach in patients attended by the staff of the Division of Trauma and submitted to placement of a vena cava filter as a method of prevention or treatment of Pulmonary Thromboembolism (PTE) from January 1999 to December 2008. RESULTS: The study comprised 512 patients, mostly males (73%). As to the cause, automobile accident injuries predominated, followed by injuries caused by falls. The male / female ratio was 3:1. The most affected age group was the one between 21 to 40 years, representing 36% of patients. The percentage of prophylactic vena cava filters was 82%, whilst 18% had treatment purposes. Head trauma was the main cause for the indication of prophylactic filters followed by spinal cord trauma. The rate of pos-filter deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was 11%. CONCLUSION: In the presence of contraindications to the use of anticoagulants in patients who suffered severe trauma, the inferior vena cava filters have proven to be an effective and safe optio n. However, one should apply rigorous clinical judgment to all indications, even after the advent of retrievable filters.