Complications of temporary vena cava filter placement.

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.