Vena-Tech IVC filter

• introduced as LGM (L.G. Medical, France), 1985; FDA aprroval 1991: Vena-Tech, Evanston, IL
• 6-leg conical design with 6 stabilizing side bars
• biocompatible metal known as Phynox (cobalt,chromium,iron,nickel,moly)

Efficacy

• recurrent PE: 2-6%
• IVC occlusion: 8-24%
• migration: 0-12%

Advantages

• ease of placement
• excellent clot trapping efficiency
• low profile
• lacks ferromagnetic activity: minimal MRI artifacts

Disadvantages

• incomplete opening (6-19%): decreases clot-trapping efficiency
  • increased incidence from IJ approach
  • decreased with rapid deployment
• increased IVC thrombosis rates: 8% initial reports; 22-24% on subsequent reports by US/MRI: 2-19% clinically symptomatic

© 2002, C.E. Kahn, Jr.
2002-04-18