LONG-TERM RESULTS OF VENA-CAVA FILTERS - EXPERIENCES WITH THE LGM ANDTHE TITANIUM-GREENFIELD DEVICES

Purpose: Vena cava filter (VCF) application is the method of choice to prevent recurrent pulmonary embolism in patients with deep venous thr ombosis. Because of the reported complications after VCF placement we summarize our long-term follow-up results with the LGM and Titanium Gr eenfield (TG) devices. Methods: Eighty-seven LGM VCF and 17 TG VCF wer e placed in 104 patients (average age 64 years). The follow-up examina tions were performed by color-coded duplex sonography, plain radiograp hs, cavography, and computed tomography (CT). The maximum observation time was 81 months. Results: Filter migration occurred in 11% (8/76) o f the LGM VCF and 15% (2/13) of the TG VCF. Vena cava thrombosis was s een in 17% (13/76) of the patients with an LGM VCF and in 31% (4/13) o f those with a TG VCF. The patency rate was 95% (72/76) for the LGM VC F and 92% (12/13) for the TG VCF. Pulmonary embolism was noted in 3 pa tients after LGM VCF insertion and in no patient after TG VCF insertio n. Conclusion: A VCF should only be inserted in a patient after pulmon ary embolism and when there is strict proof of the indication.