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Radiology-led Follow-up System for IVC Filters: Effects on Retrieval Rates and Times

CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology volume 35, pages 309–315 (2012)Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose

Successful IVC filter retrieval rates fall with time. Serious complications have been reported following attempts to remove filters after 3–18 months. Failed retrieval may be associated with adverse clinical sequelae. This study explored whether retrieval rates are improved if interventional radiologists organize patient follow-up, rather than relying on the referring clinicians.

Methods

Proactive follow-up of patients who undergo filter placement was implemented in May 2008. At the time of filter placement, a report was issued to the referring consultant notifying them of the advised timeframe for filter retrieval. Clinicians were contacted to arrange retrieval within 30 days. We compared this with our practice for the preceding year.

Results

The numbers of filters inserted during the two time periods was similar, as were the numbers of retrieval attempts and the time scale at which they occurred. The rate of successful retrievals increased but not significantly. The major changes were better documentation of filter types and better clinical follow-up. After the change in practice, only one patient was lost to follow-up compared with six the preceding year.

Conclusions

Although there was no significant improvement in retrieval rates, the proactive, radiology-led approach improved follow-up and documentation, ensuring that a clinical decision was made about how long the filter was required and whether retrieval should be attempted and ensuring that patients were not lost to follow-up.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, St George’s Hospital NHS Trust, Blackshaw Road, London, SW17 0QT, UK

    L. Lee, J. Taylor, G. Munneke, R. Morgan & A.-M. Belli

Authors
  1. L. Lee
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  2. J. Taylor
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  3. G. Munneke
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  4. R. Morgan
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  5. A.-M. Belli
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Correspondence to A.-M. Belli.

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Lee, L., Taylor, J., Munneke, G. et al. Radiology-led Follow-up System for IVC Filters: Effects on Retrieval Rates and Times. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 35, 309–315 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-011-0198-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-011-0198-7

Keywords

  • Interventional radiology
  • IVC filter
  • Retrieval rates