Practice Patterns of Inferior Vena Cava Filter Placement and Factors That Predict Retrieval Rates: A Single-Center Institution and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND: There is a wide variability in practice patterns on the use of inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) among institutions, which is likely due to contrasting indication guidelines published by different professional societies. The aim of the present study is to report our healthcare system use of IVCF to: 1) determine practice patterns, 2) determine factors that may predict IVCF retrieval and 3) identify areas for improvement. METHODS: A retrospective review of 180 consecutive IVCF placement performed between July 2014 and December 2015 was conducted. RESULTS: One hundred nine (60.6%) IVCFs were placed for absolute indications, 27 (15.0%) for relative indications, 26 (14.4%) prophylactically and 18 (10.0%) for unknown indications. Average age was 59.3 years. Ninety-five had active cancer. Surgical and medical services requested filter placement in 112 (62.2%) and 68 (37.8%) patients, respectively. Thirteen (7.2%) patients had a hematology consult prior to IVCF placement. Documentation of the presence of an IVCF was present in 118/127 (92.9%) discharge summaries, and outlined instructions for filter retrieval post-discharge were present in 20/124 (16.1%) cases. Only 33 (25.0%) IVCF were retrieved at a median interval of 162 days (range: 4 - 1,053 days). None of the factors of interest was found to be significantly associated with IVCF retrieval. CONCLUSION: A root cause analysis identified that the lack of a structured system for IVCF tracking resulted in poor IVCF retrieval rates. This study resulted in the development of a hospital-initiated multidisciplinary team to address these issues.