Purpose:
Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are vital to prevent pulmonary embolisms (PE) in patients unable to have anticoagulant therapy [1]. However, prolonged filter dwell times include risks of caval perforation, IVC occlusion, filter migration and fracture, and thus should be removed when no longer indicated [2]. This project aims to determine the impact of a dedicated service in increasing filter retrieval rates amongst trauma patients.
Methods and Materials:
We conducted a retrospective analysis of trauma inpatients who had IVC filters inserted between October 2011 to October 2021. From January 2018, the trauma outpatient clinic developed a new service to specifically follow-up patients who had IVC filters inserted. All consecutive filter insertions during the study period were eligible for inclusion. Exclusion criteria included individuals under the age of 18 and patients who passed away during their admission.
Results:
A total of 971 consecutive IVC filter insertions were performed during this time-period. Pre-January 2018, 639 IVC filters were inserted and 380 IVC filters retrieved (59.4%). Post-January 2018, 332 IVC filters were inserted with 278 IVC filters retrieved (83.7%). The average dwell time for IVC filters was 200 days in the former and 150 days in the latter. 37 cases encountered complicated retrievals with an average IVC filter dwell time of 303 days.
Conclusion:
Retrieval rates of IVC filters amongst trauma patients significantly improved with the establishment of a dedicated service. This study adds to the literature of having follow-up services to monitor patients with IVC filters inserted to ensure they are retrieved when no longer required.