Abstract
During the past 4 years, we encountered 27 cases undergoing placement of inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) for prevention of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). In 12 cases, IVCF was placed for remaining deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after improvement of PTE with t-PA. In 6 cases, thrombolysis or thrombectomy was performed for floating DVT under IVCF. In 5 cases with abdominal tumor or bone fracture which generated DVT, tumor removal or bone reconstruction was performed under IVCF. In 4 cases with cerebral hemorrhage or advanced cancer which was contraindicated to anticoagulation, IVCF was placed for floating DVT. After placement of IVCF, X-rays, echography and computed tomography were periodically performed. As a result, a huge thrombus was found in 3 cases with temporary IVCF. Thrombolysis dissolved it in one case, but surgical removal of the thrombosed IVCF was required in 2 cases with its tilting or migration. In all of 27 cases including these 3, recurrence or occurrence of PTE did not happen during the mean follow-up period of 22 months. In conclusion, IVCF was effective for prevention of PTE, but careful observation is mandatory for temporary IVCF because of its susceptibility to dislocation, resulting in thrombus formation.
