[Temporary vena cave filter: critical comments].

PURPOSE: Retrospective evaluation of the reasons for complications caused by the placement of temporary vena cava filters.

METHOD: Retrospective analysis of 9 complications in 6 implanted temporary (2 anthéor TC-, 4 Filcard RF 02-Filter) and 6 retrievable vena cava filters (1 Dil-, 5 FCP 2002-Filter).

RESULTS

We observed 7 filter thromboses and two severe infections. 5 filter thromboses occurred in temporary filters, two filter thromboses and two infections occurred in facultative temporary filters.

CONCLUSION

The main complications of temporary vena cava filters, like filter thrombosis and infection, were associated with the fixation mechanism of the filter. Our results indicate that facultative temporary vena cava filters without a permanent percutaneous retrieval system seem to be the safer system.