Vena cava filters in cancer patients: experience with 50 patients

Authors

  • Antonio Eduardo Zerati University of São Paulo; Faculty of Medicine; Hospital das Clínicas; Department of Vascular Surgery
  • Nelson Wolosker University of São Paulo; Faculty of Medicine; Hospital das Clínicas; Department of Vascular Surgery
  • Guilherme Yazbek University of São Paulo; Faculty of Medicine; Hospital das Clínicas; Department of Vascular Surgery
  • Marcel Langer University of São Paulo; Faculty of Medicine; Hospital das Clínicas; Department of Vascular Surgery
  • Kenji Nishinari University of São Paulo; Faculty of Medicine; Hospital das Clínicas; Department of Vascular Surgery

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S1807-59322005000500003

Keywords:

Vena cava filters, Venous thrombosis, Pulmonary embolism, Neoplasms, Vena cava, Inferior

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To study the immediate and late results obtained from the implantation of vena cava filters in cancer patients with deep vein thrombosis concomitant with neoplasia. METHODS: This was a retrospective evaluation of 50 patients with an association of cancer and deep venous thrombosis who underwent interruption of the inferior vena cava and the insertion of permanent vena cava filters. The indications for the procedure, filter implantation technique, early and late complications related to the operation, and the clinical evolution were evaluated. RESULTS: The most frequent indication for filter implantation was the contraindication for full anticoagulant treatment (80%). The femoral vein was the preferred access route (86% of the patients). There were no complications related to the surgical procedure. During the follow-up, the following complications were observed: 1 episode of nonfatal pulmonary thromboembolism, 2 cases of occlusion of the inferior vena cava, and 1 case of thrombus retained in the device. Twenty patients (40%) died due to progression of the neoplasm. CONCLUSIONS: Interruption of the inferior cava vein using an endoluminal filter is a procedure with a low rate of complications. It is a safe and efficient measure for preventing pulmonary embolism in cancer patients who have deep vein thrombosis of the lower limbs.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Downloads

Published

2005-10-01

Issue

Section

Original Research

How to Cite

Zerati, A. E., Wolosker, N., Yazbek, G., Langer, M., & Nishinari, K. (2005). Vena cava filters in cancer patients: experience with 50 patients . Clinics, 60(5), 361-366. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1807-59322005000500003