Abstract
Purpose: To report the risk of fatal atrial migration with the Tempofilter.
Methods: Among temporary filters, the high safety profile Tempofilter has been marketed as offering protection for up to 6 weeks. We implanted about 60 Tempofilters to prevent pulmonary embolism. The main indications were temporary thromboembolic risk, recurrent pulmonary embolism, and contraindication to or failure of anticoagulant therapy. Follow-up was performed regularly by plain abdominal film and Doppler ultrasound. Filters were removed about 4 weeks after placement.
Results: We encountered three cases (5%) of atrial migration and one case of 5-cm cephalad displacement of the filter. Of the three patients with atrial migration, two died within 3 days of implantation, one from a massive pulmonary embolism and the other with cardiac tamponade. One patient did not show any serious complications.
Conclusions: The Tempofilter may actively migrate cranially and become dangerous in the case of migration within the heart.
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Rossi, P., Arata, F.M., Bonaiuti, P. et al. Fatal outcome in atrial migration of the tempofilter. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 22, 227–231 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002709900372
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002709900372