Active surveillance strategy significantly increases inferior vena cava filter retrieval
Active surveillance by implanting physicians appeared linked to improved retrieval of inferior vena cava filters, according to results of a retrospective cohort study.
Adoption of this approach significantly increased filter retrieval from 48.4% to 61.6%, results showed.
The findings suggest physicians who implant inferior vena cava filters — used to prevent venous thromboembolism when anticoagulation is contraindicated — should take primary responsibility for tracking and retrieval, investigators concluded.
Researchers also identified several factors associated with higher odds of filter nonretrieval. These included concomitant malignant neoplasm (OR = 2.18; 95% CI, 1.47-3.24), passive contact method (OR = 1.7; 95% CI, 1.18-2.47) and age at time of implantation (OR = 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.03).
Healio spoke with researcher Emily Sterbis, MD, integrated radiology resident in the department of radiology at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, about the results and their potential implications.
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