CAVAL INCORPORATION OF THE LGM-VENA-TECH FILTER - AN EXPERIMENTAL-STUDY

PURPOSE: To analyze LGM Vena Tech filter incorporation and the rapidit y of the process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A filter was inserted into th e infrarenal inferior vena cava (IVC) Of 15 ewes assigned to one of th ree groups depending on the length of follow-up (2, 4, or 8 weeks), Ra diologic data concerning IVC diameter and filter patency, stability, a nd incorporation were obtained before and after insertion and before e uthanasia. Histopathologic analysis concerned wall thickness and smoot h muscle cell area (SMCA) at three levels of the filter and at one poi nt outside the filter. RESULTS:. All filters remained patent during fo llow-up, Incorporation of struts was dependent on time (P = .006), lev el of the filter (P = .0001), and strut surface (P < .0001), Neointima l thickness increased during follow-up (P = .0002), being more marked in the midportion of the filter (P = .0037), Adventitial thinning was observed (P = .0001), corresponding to a significant decrease in SMCA (P < .0001) above the struts as a function of the length of the follow -up period (P = .0021). CONCLUSIONS: The LGM Vena Tech filter was well tolerated and is suitable for incorporation into the IVC wall of norm al animals without risk of any deleterious reactions due to biological incompatibility.