Experience with the Amplatz retrievable vena caval filter. Work in progress.

Abstract

The Amplatz retrievable vena caval filter was designed in an attempt to decrease complications associated with the placement of Mobin-Uddin or Kimray-Greenfield filters. The design allows percutaneous retrieval, thus expanding application of the filter to situations requiring temporary prophylaxis against pulmonary embolism. Filters have been placed in 16 patients, nine (56%) for prophylactic purposes. All filters were easily inserted percutaneously. Complications occurred in three patients; these included complete thrombosis of the inferior vena cava below the filter, misplacement of one filter into the pericaval retroperitoneal tissue, and development of thrombus cranial to the filter. With the current introduction system, the possibility of filter misplacement has been essentially eliminated. No patient experienced symptoms suggestive of pulmonary embolism after filter insertion. One filter retrieval has been performed, with no complications.

Retrievable Vena Cava Filters for Preventing Pulmonary Embolism in Trauma Patients: A Cautionary Tale

“…6,7 In the mid-1990s, development of the Gunther Tulip device (Cook Inc.) allowed filter retrieval at up to 14 days, and the newer generation RF devices allowed retrieval at intervals beyond 6 weeks after placement. 8 -10 The use of RFs has been extended to include placement in the superior vena cava for upper extremity DVT and bedside ultrasound guided placement in the ICU.…”

The Role of Temporary Inferior Vena Cava Filters in Critically Ill Surgical Patients

“…The Amplatz filter (Cook Inc) was the first retrievable filter to be described. 30 It was subsequently withdrawn from the market owing to technical problems, in particular, a high rate of vena cava occlusion. 31 The Gunther Tulip filter is a relatively new retrievable filter that has recently been approved in the United States as a permanent filter.…”

Indications, management, and complications of temporary inferior vena cava filters

“…For example the Amplatz filter (William Cook Europe) was a robust 14 Fr device that was used as a permanent filter but could be retrieved [9,10]. A European development was the Gfinther Vena Cava Filter Set (William Cook Europe), a retrievable filter with the option of being left in place.…”