Inferior Vena Cava Filters in High-Risk Patients: Indications and Outcomes with Emphasison Trauma Cases

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of inferior vena cava filter.

Study Design: Retrospective study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Nasiriyah Teaching Hospital in Dhi Qar Governorate from 15th February 2025 to 30th September 2025.

Methods: This study involved 20 patients with inferior vena cava filters. The data was obtained age, gender, morbidities and signs of filter placement.

Results: There were 12 (60%) males and 8 (40%) females with male to female ratio 1.5:1 and 8 (40%) patients were between 39-50 years old. Eleven (55%) of patients were trauma with high risk of venous thromboembolism, 4 (20%) patients non-traumatic with high risk of recurrent pulmonary embolism, 3 (15%) of patients with poorly responded
to anticoagulant therapy and only 2 (10%) of patients were contraindicated  to anticoagulant. Eleven (55%) of patients had filter inserted via femoral vein access, 7 (35%) of them with jugular access, and 2 (10%) patients with
subclavian vein access.

Conclusion: All accesses of inferior vena cava filter are feasible but still jugular or subclavian route are superior on femoral access especially in cases of bilateral lower limbs deep vein thrombosis. Most of the patients that required inferior vena cava filter were high risk of venous thromboembolism patients who were trauma patients.