Efficacy and Retrievability of Aegisy Vena Cava Filter: A Single Center Experience in 213 Patients.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the safety, efficacy, and retrievability of the Aegisy vena cava filter (LifeTech Scientific Co. Ltd, Shenzhen, China).

METHODS: Data from all patients who underwent Aegisy vena cava filter placement for pulmonary embolism (PE) prophylaxis during catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) or aspiration thrombectomy for the proximal deep venous thrombosis (DVT) were included and analyzed.

RESULTS: From October 2006 to September 2015, a total of 213 patients were included in this study. All the filters were successfully placed without any difficulty. Filter removal was attempted in 112 (52.6%) patients after a median duration of 12 days (range 9-15) of placement, and were successful in 107 (95.5%) patients. Venography was performed pre- and post-filter removal, severe tilt was seen in 5 (4.5%, 5/112) patients, and neither filter migration nor deformity was seen in any of the patients. No procedure-related complication was observed in any of the patients. A total of 47 (22.1%) patients underwent thorax or pulmonary computed tomography for cancer or other reasons before the filters were retrieved, and no segmental PE was seen. Also, no symptomatic PE breakthrough was seen in any of the patients after the filter placement.

CONCLUSIONS: Aegisy vena cava filter is a safe and effective device for PE prophylaxis during CDT or aspiration thrombectomy for the proximal DVT. Although only half patients presented for removal, the retrievability of Aegisy vena cava filter is high.