Safety of retrievable inferior vena cava filters in patients with the antiphospholipid syndrome

Abstract

Objective: Consideration for placement of an inferior cava filter arises in patients with APSwhere cessation of anticoagulation is necessary or thrombotic complications continue despitemaximal anticoagulation. Permanent IVC filters are recommended to be avoided. We evaluatedthe safety of placement and removal of retrievable inferior vena cava filters in patients withAPS.Methods: Case series of 5 patients with APS and aPL antibodies who had placement and removal ofretrievable IVC filter (because of contraindication to anticoagulation or ongoing thrombosis despitefull anticoagulation) to assess for safety, presence of clots in the vena cava or on the filter while in thebody, evidence of PE, or clot on the explanted filter.Results: Insertion and removal, even while on anticoagulation, was safe. There was no evidence of clotin the vena cava, on the filter or pulmonary embolism in all cases.Conclusion: Where necessary, retrievable IVC filters may be safer in APS patients but should not be leftin for long periods of time.