Inferior vena cava filters are a safe and effective way to treat venous thromboembolism. A study now shows how it’s done properly.
Few adverse events are connected to the use of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters to help prevent deep vein blood clots from developing into pulmonary embolisms (PE), according to the findings of the Predicting the Safety and Effectiveness of Inferior Vena Cava Filters (PRESERVE) trial, published jointly in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (JVIR) and the Journal of Vascular Surgery Venous and Lymphatics (JVSVL).
PRESERVE is an FDA-directed multicenter, prospective, open-label, non-randomized trial that studied the safety and efficacy of IVC filters from six manufacturers. It was a joint effort of the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) and the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS). The study was conducted at 54 sites in the United States between Oct. 10, 2015, and March 31, 2019. During that time, filters were implanted in 1,421 patients, of which 1,019 patients had an existing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
Researchers found that IVC filters were effective in helping to prevent PEs in patients experiencing a DVT where anticoagulation medicines failed or were not an option for the patient. Approximately half of the patients in the study had their filters removed within 3 months of placement without complication or recurrence of DVT or PE, according to study authors.
“The question shouldn’t be only ‘should we place a filter?’ but how should we offer comprehensive filter-inclusive care of patients with venous blood clots, comprised of a detailed patient evaluation, a plan for retrieval after placement, and frequent follow up with evaluation for filter removal or replacement,” said Matthew S. Johnson, MD, FSIR, an interventional radiologist and professor of radiology and surgery and co-principal investigator on PRESERVE. “PRESERVE showed what questions we should ask as clinicians: ‘does this person continue to require protection against PE, and, in light of changing clinical status and available therapies, is the current filter needed?’ and then make an informed decision on how to continue care.”
“DVTs and PEs are a significant cause of death worldwide and understanding fully how tools like IVC filters can be used to prevent the progression of a DVT into a PE allow physicians to safely treat patients at risk of death from VTE,” said David L Gillespie, MD, FACS, co-principal investigator on PRESERVE. “Now that the study is complete, we now have a roadmap for better filter utilization. We need to solidify a clearer set of practice guidelines for venous thromboembolic disease, based on its symptoms, location and complications. Further studies will focus on how the different manifestations of venous thromboembolic disease may benefit from filter-inclusive care.”
To date, PRESERVE is the largest prospective study investigating the real-world patient outcomes of IVC filter use. “This trial represents an important step in collaborating across specialties to benefit the health and safety of our patients,” said SIR President Parag J. Patel, MD, MS, FSIR. “We now have higher quality evidence to support appropriate utilization and management of IVC filters in patients with venous thromboembolic disease.”
Michael C. Dalsing, MD, president of the Society for Vascular Surgery, adds: “This study provides the real-world evidence needed when recommending IVC filter placement to protect our patients from a potentially lethal disease and when to remove that filter after it has accomplished the desired effect.”
This article is based on a press release by the Society of Interventional Radiology. You can find the original publication here and by following the link in our text.
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