The Vena Tech LP Permanent Caval Filter: Effectiveness and Safety in the Clinical Setting in Three Chinese Medical Centers.

OBJECTIVE: The effectiveness, safety, and patient outcomes after Vena Tech LP caval filter placement were evaluated retrospectively in China.

METHODS AND RESULTS: From January 2002 to January 2013, 1,200 patients received Tech LP caval filters to prevent PE at three Beijing University medical centers. The patients' general condition, reasons for DVT formation, filter placement method, indication for filter placement, complications, safety of the filter, treatment post-filter, and follow-up were recorded. The patients' mean age was 65 (range, 19-87) years, and 840 were males. Before filter placement, all had ultrasonic-diagnosed DVT, 84% (1008/1200) were assessed for PE, and 73% (736/1008) had PE. Filters were placed via the femoral or jugular vein, with 62 placements at the SVC and 1,138 at the IVC. Filter placement via various venous access routes was 100% successful. Anticoagulation therapy was continued in 88% patients (n=1056) for ≥6 months after filter placement. Follow-up was accomplished in 80% (n=960) of patients for an average of 6 years (range, 3 months to 10 years). The patency rate of the vena cava was 90% at 5 years. The morbidity was 2% and the mortality was 0.5% during 30 days post-filter placement. After 30 days, the mortality rate was 2.4%, no PE reoccurred, and there were no other clinical adverse events.

CONCLUSION: Vena Tech LP caval filter placement was effective and safe, with demonstrated stability and a good long-term patency rate at the IVC and SVC in China.