Abstract
INTRODUCTION: To explore the feasibility and safety of various endovascular intervention methods for the treatment of inferior vena cava filter thrombosis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 31 patients who were treated in our center from January 2020 to December 2022 with diagnosis of inferior vena cava filter thrombosis (IVCFT). Manual aspiration thrombectomy (MAT), catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT), AngioJet rheolytic thrombectomy (ART), and balloon dilatation and stent implantation, either individually or in combination of 2 or 3 methods, were applied. Data of the thrombus clearance rate, inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) retrieval rate, thrombus status in the IVCF after retrieval of the filters, patency of inferior vena cava (IVC), and complications were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: MAT was applied in 6 cases, CDT was applied in 10 cases, CDT plus MAT was used in 7 cases, ART plus CDT was used in 5 cases, combination of ART, CDT and MAT was used in 2 cases, and balloon dilatation and stent implantation following CDT was used in 1 case. The success rate of surgical technique in 31 patients was 100%. Except one primary filter, which was placed in other hospital 5 years ago, the rest 30 primary filters plus a secondary protective filter placed in one of the patients were successfully removed. Grade II or III was achieved in thrombus clearance by the endovascular mechanical therapies in this study. The restoration rate of IVC patency was 100%. No serious complications such as massive hemorrhage or pulmonary embolism occurred during the procedure of the endovascular intervention therapies. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular intervention therapies, including MAT, CDT, ART, and stent implantation, are safe and feasible in IVCF retrieval and restoration of IVC venous patency. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.