Structured team-oriented program to follow patients after vena cava filter placement: a step forward in improving quality for filter retrieval

To reduce inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) related complications, retrieval is recommended whenever possible. Nevertheless, IVCF retrieval rates remain lower than expected, likely due to insufficient follow-up after placement. We evaluated the value of a structured program designed to follow patients by the interventional radiology team up to 5 months after IVCF placement. We prospectively enrolled 366 consecutive patients (mean age 64 ± 17 years; 201 men and 165 women) who benefited from IVCF between March 2015 and February 2020. The program consisted of advising the patient and clinicians to consider IVCF retrieval as soon as possible (standard workflow) and systematically planning an additional follow-up visit at 5-month. Clinical and technical eligibility, as well as technical success for retrieval (TSR) were evaluated. At 5-months, 38 (10.4%) patients were lost to follow-up, and 47 (12.8%) had died. Among survivors, the overall retrieval rate was 58%. The retrieval rates were 83% and 97% for the clinically eligible and technically eligible patients for retrieval, respectively. The 5-month visit enabled 89 additional retrievals (47.8%) compared to the standard workflow. No significant difference was seen in TSR before and after 5 months (p = 0.95). Improved patient tracking with a dedicated IVCF program results in an effective process to identify suitable patients for retrieval and drastically improves retrieval rates in eligible patients. Involving interventionalists in the process improved IVCF patient management.